UN Women has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the African Union’s (AU) new Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG), a historic legal instrument aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) across the continent. Adopted by the AU, the convention represents the first pan-African effort to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, marking a significant milestone in the fight for gender justice in Africa.
The AU CEVAWG, which builds on existing frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, introduces specific measures tailored to Africa’s unique social, cultural, and legal contexts. This includes efforts to address violence within both customary and formal legal systems, ensuring a comprehensive response to the myriad forms of violence that women and girls face.
Anna Mutavati, UN Women’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, called the adoption of the convention a turning point for the continent. She urged swift ratification by AU member states, emphasizing that for the convention to take effect and bring about real change, governments must act quickly. “As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we urge AU Member States to act promptly,” Mutavati said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The AU CEVAWG aims to address the disproportionate levels of violence faced by women and girls in Africa, which include intimate partner violence, femicide, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. Data from the 2025 Beijing +30 Africa Regional Review shows that these issues are more prevalent in Africa than in other regions, further underscoring the need for strong, continent-wide measures to combat gender-based violence.
The convention’s framework is particularly crucial as the continent faces numerous intersecting challenges, including the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crises, climate change, and regional conflicts. By setting out clear measures for prevention, response, and accountability, the AU CEVAWG seeks to create a safer environment for women and girls, ensuring that governments uphold their commitment to gender equality.
A notable aspect of the AU CEVAWG is its inclusion of the Heads of State Circle of Champions on Positive Masculinity, which promotes the involvement of men in advancing women’s rights. This initiative highlights the importance of constructive male engagement in combating GBV and fostering a culture of accountability.
UN Women has called for the rapid ratification and implementation of the convention to unlock its transformative potential. As Mutavati said, “The time for action is now,” urging governments and all stakeholders to act quickly and make a real difference in the lives of African women and girls
