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Contact: Michelle Park, Executive Director (312) 988-6186; parkm@nawl.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS

NAWL WRITES LETTER TO HEADS OF AFRICAN STATES URGING RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON THE RIGHTS OF AFRICAN WOMEN

Chicago, IL, October 26, 2004

On the week of October 24, 2004, the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) has sent a letter to the heads of African states who were among the signatories of the Protocol on the Rights of African Women. The letter urges these governments to ratify the Protocol, which is a means to achieve basic human rights for African women, who have been disproportionately denied such essential entitlements.

The Protocol offers a wide range of political social, cultural, and economic rights for women. For example, under the Protocol, women receive protection from discrimination in the workplace and home, harmful cultural practices, and exploitation. Among the rights that the Protocol grants women are the right to life, integrity and security of person; equality in marriage and divorce; access to the judicial system and participation in the political process; the right to a peaceful existence; the opportunity for education; economic freedoms; and health and reproductive rights. Further, the Protocol provides mechanisms for interpreting and enforcing these rights, providing a procedure for women to bring grievances for violations of these rights.

The African Union adopted the Protocol on the Rights of African Women on July 11, 2003 as a supplement to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and since that time, thirty-one members of the African Union have signed it. However, despite these signatures, the Protocol's ratification is necessary to guarantee that the rights granted are implemented and enforced. The Protocol will not enter into force until at least fifteen instruments of ratification are deposited with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union.

NAWL has sent a letter to signatories of the Protocol urging its ratification. The letter details the importance of ratification for these African states in achieving gender equality and in order to send a message to the international community that the protection of women's rights is a priority. It is also stressed that ratification will benefit these governments because an improved human rights record may open doors to more trade opportunities and international cooperation on various issues.

Click here to view the complete letter.