UN Women has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with governments, regional bodies, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and all stakeholders in translating the promise of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG) into lasting change, ensuring a future where every woman and girl lives free from violence.
This following the adoption of adopting the AU CEVAWG by the African Union, the continent’s first dedicated legal instrument aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, marks a significant milestone in advancing gender justice across Africa.
The convention was officially adopted by the African Union, signaling a renewed urgency in tackling gender-based violence.
Gender Equality
Describing the development as a turning point for Africa, Anna Mutavati, Regional Director at UN Women East and Southern Africa, emphasized the need for swift ratification of the convention by AU Member States.
“As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we urge AU Member States to act promptly and ratify this Convention for it to come into effect,” Mutavati said.
The AU CEVAWG builds on existing frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, incorporating context-specific measures to address violence against women and girls within both customary and formal legal systems.
“The CEVAWG builds on existing frameworks such as CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol and is tailored to address both contemporary challenges and the intersection between customary and formal legal systems.” She remarked.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Africa
According to the 2025 Beijing +30 Africa Regional Review, the progress toward gender equality remains uneven across the continent. Data shows higher levels of intimate partner violence, femicide, female genital mutilation, and child marriage in Africa compared to other regions.
The Convention’s framework is crucial as Africa faces multiple intersecting challenges, including the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crises, climate change, and regional conflicts.
By establishing coherent and comprehensive measures across AU Member States, the AU CEVAWG aims to enhance prevention, response, and accountability in addressing violence against women and girls.
A distinctive feature of the convention is its support from the Heads of State Circle of Champions on Positive Masculinity, an initiative promoting constructive male engagement and accountability in advancing women’s rights.
Urging swift ratification for transformative change
UN Women has called for the rapid ratification of the convention to unlock its full transformative potential and drive life-saving interventions for millions of women and girls.
“The time for action is now. Governments, regional organizations, and all stakeholders must move quickly to ratify and implement this convention to make a real difference in the lives of African women and girls,” said Mutavati.
UN Women remains committed to working alongside African governments and partners to ensure that the AU CEVAWG leads to meaningful, lasting change, securing a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence, discrimination, and fear.
