The Maputo Protocol established binding rights for women across Africa, including political equality, reproductive autonomy, and prohibition of female genital mutilation.
Key Facts
- Adoption date
- July 11, 2003
- Entered into force
- 2005
- Adopting body
- African Union
- Parent instrument
- African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (1981)
- Adoption city
- Maputo, Mozambique
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted in 1981 and enacted in 1986, lacked specific enforceable protections for women. Persistent gender inequality across African nations, including political exclusion and practices such as female genital mutilation, prompted African Union member states to develop a dedicated supplementary protocol addressing women's rights comprehensively.
On July 11, 2003, the African Union adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa in Maputo, Mozambique. The instrument guarantees women the right to political participation, social and political equality with men, autonomy in reproductive health decisions, and protection from female genital mutilation.
The Maputo Protocol entered into force in 2005, creating an internationally binding framework obligating ratifying African states to reform laws and practices that discriminate against women. It became a key reference for national legislation on gender equality, reproductive rights, and the elimination of harmful traditional practices across the African continent.
Political Outcome
Adoption of a binding African Union treaty guaranteeing comprehensive rights for women, including political equality, reproductive autonomy, and prohibition of female genital mutilation; entered into force in 2005.