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Empowering Political Inclusion: Advocating for Change in Imo State Politics
We recently engaged with Barr Mrs Ottih the female Deputy Governorship aspirant from ADP and the party leadership emphasizing good governance, affirmative action, and social inclusion. Our focus? To ensure women’s pivotal role is recognized and social inclusion is promoted.
The overarching goal was to gain insights into the party’s internal policies, particularly in the context of recognizing the pivotal role of women in governance and ascertaining the embrace of social inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), youth, and other marginalized groups within the ADP.
During the meeting, we placed considerable emphasis on sensitizing the Deputy Governorship Candidate about the mission of the Partners for Good Governance (PGOG) coalition. The coalition, with its three core mandates of good governance, social inclusion, and the promotion of affirmative action, highlighted the critical need for affirmative action. Women’s active representation in Nigerian politics is hindered by significant underrepresentation, necessitating affirmative action as a means to bridge this gap and empower women to hold leadership roles.
A key call to action was directed at the aspirant to ensure that the party’s manifesto and campaign promises are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the citizens, who constitute the majority of the voter population. Reformed policies that reflect the desires of the populace are fundamental in building a more inclusive and participatory political landscape.
The female Deputy Governorship aspirant encouraged the coalition team to persist in their grassroots-level efforts, fostering capacity building among women. This capacity building equips them to competently compete with their male counterparts, thus ensuring more substantial representation of women in leadership roles. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering women who have already developed their capacities and are actively representing the populace in political and other leadership positions.
In a culminating moment, the team successfully facilitated the aspirant’s presence on radio, providing a platform for her to vocally advocate for the participation of women in politics. This initiative amplifies the voices of women and champions their cause, contributing to a more inclusive political landscape.
Alliances for Africa present as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CISLAC) holds a coordination meeting for the Macarthur foundation project in Abuja on the 17th- 18th July, 2023
Alliances for Africa (AfA) presented a comprehensive update on her implementation and planned programs of the CISLAC project during the coordination meeting held on the 17th and 18th of July, 2023. The meeting’s central theme revolved around “Prioritizing Anti-corruption and Accountability Mechanisms during the 2023 Elections,” a topic of critical importance given the ongoing political landscape.
During the project reporting segment, AfA was commended and celebrated by the donor for consistently adhering to the project reporting template and delivering precise, on-target reports. This commendation holds significant weight, considering the prevalent challenge faced by many implementing partners in meeting reporting requirements. Team AfA’s dedication and proficiency were recognized and applauded, reflecting the organization’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.
The meeting provided a comprehensive review of CISLAC activities as executed by various partners and their impact on the February 2023 Nigerian elections. Partners took the opportunity to share a spectrum of experiences, including successes, challenges encountered, and invaluable lessons acquired throughout the course of implementation. The focal point of their efforts remains promoting Good Governance, Anti-corruption, Transparency, and Accountability across diverse states.
One notable concern voiced by states with off-cycle elections, including Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa, was the growing issue of voter apathy and reluctance to engage in the forthcoming November 2023 elections. This concerning trend seemed to be a fallout from the outcomes of the February 2023 election. In response to this challenge, partners were encouraged to persist in their sensitization efforts, raising awareness regarding the importance of civic participation and continued engagement post-election. Tracking manifestos and campaign promises, along with advocating for the realization of the Citizens Charter of Demand, were underscored as crucial strategies.
AfA remains committed to actively contributing to the fight against corruption, promoting accountable governance, and encouraging electoral engagement among citizens. The insights shared during this meeting provide a robust foundation for AfA’s strategy moving forward, embodying a collective determination to foster a society marked by transparency, active citizenry, and the elimination of corruption in all its forms.
Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness: A One-Day Awareness Session by Alliances for Africa
Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in South-East Nigeria
In our Open Society Foundation Project, we conducted a comprehensive one-day Awareness Session on Access to Accurate Information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for Women and Girls. This initiative aimed to emphasize the connection between SRHR, Child Early Marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation across the five Eastern States: Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. Our mission was to address the alarming knowledge gap on sexual and reproductive health and rights among women and girls in the region, with a focus on raising awareness and providing access to safe medical abortion services.
Introduction:
Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) has long been a significant challenge in the South Eastern region, contributing to an increase in violence against women and girls. As part of our Open Society Foundation Project, we sought to bridge this gap by organizing an Awareness Session on SRHR, highlighting its link to Child Early Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. The ultimate goal of this project was to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from unsafe abortion for young women and girls in South-East Nigeria.
Survey Findings:
A recent survey conducted by Alliances for Africa in June 2023 across the five South Eastern states revealed alarming statistics regarding access to accurate information and services related to SRHR. The data illustrated that a staggering 63.4% of female respondents lacked accurate knowledge and access to SRHR. Similarly, only 14% of respondents, both male and female, possessed accurate information and access to SRHR. Disturbingly, the study also uncovered prevalent risky sexual behaviors within these communities. Notably, 64.9% of respondents reported engaging in unprotected sexual behaviors, including virginal and anal sex. The data revealed high instances of unprotected sexual behavior with multiple partners, accounting for 76.9%, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Engagement Overview:
Through this targeted engagement, we were able to reach and directly impact a total of 341 individuals, comprising 335 females and 6 males. Furthermore, our message reached an additional 1705 indirect beneficiaries, including 1675 females and 30 males. The magnitude of this reach signifies the pressing demand for accurate information and services surrounding SRHR in the South Eastern region.
Session Highlights:
The one-day Awareness Session involved a series of comprehensive discussions and activities. Participants were engaged in informative sessions that covered critical aspects of SRHR, myths, and facts surrounding safe and unsafe abortions, and the interconnections with child early marriage and female genital mutilation. Group work sessions provided a platform for interactive discussions and the sharing of knowledge.
Participant Questions and Comments:
During the sessions, participants expressed numerous inquiries and comments, showcasing their engagement and thirst for knowledge.
Questions:
What is orgasm?
Is it appropriate for a girl who is around 19/20 years old to be on family planning?
What exactly is a safe medical abortion, and is it the right choice?
Is it safe for a pregnant woman to engage in sexual activity?
I heard family planning is not advisable, but now I’m learning it is; can you explain this further?
Participant Comments:
“I learned that we should use the correct terms for body parts and not rely on euphemisms.”
“I realized that as a woman, I have the right to decide on the number of children I’m fit to have.”
“Early child marriage is dangerous and comes with a lot of complications; it’s crucial to educate our communities about this.”
“This session has been an eye-opener; I now understand the importance of accurate knowledge on SRHR and the risks of misinformation.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to learn about safe medical abortion and the role it plays in ensuring a woman’s reproductive health.”
Myths of Safe Abortion:
Myth: Safe abortion causes infertility.
Myth: Safe abortion increases the risk of breast cancer.
Myth: The church condemns safe abortion.
Myth: Only selfish people opt for safe abortion.
Myth: Abortion means killing a baby.
Myths of Unsafe Abortion:
Myth: Restrictive laws and unsafe abortion are unrelated.
Myth: Unsafe abortion is a solution when faced with an unwanted pregnancy.
Myth: Unsafe abortion is a safe and quick procedure.
Myth: Unsafe abortion does not have long-term health consequences.
Myth: Unsafe abortion can be safely performed by anyone without medical training.
Conclusion:
The outcomes of this initiative are promising, emphasizing the urgent need for continued efforts to enhance awareness, education, and access to SRHR services. The glaring statistics from the survey underscore the imperative to combat misinformation and risky sexual behaviors through community sensitization and educational programs. Our commitment to reducing morbidity and death resulting from unsafe abortions remains steadfast, and we anticipate sustained progress in promoting a healthier, more informed society.
Alliances for Africa leads CODMAP Advocacy Visit to the National Orientation Agency, Abuja, Nigeria for the promotion and popularization of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol)
Empowering Women and Girls: Bridging the Gap with the Maputo Protocol
Alliances for Africa (AfA), supported by Equality Now! and Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), is actively engaged in a regional project with a singular goal – the domestication of the Maputo Protocol. This pivotal document, officially known as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women and Girls in Africa, ensures comprehensive rights for women and girls and encompasses innovative provisions to curb violations and enhance protection.
Project Objective: Despite Nigeria’s ratification of the Maputo Protocol on December 16, 2004, full domestication and implementation of its progressive provisions are yet to be achieved. This lag has resulted in the ongoing marginalization, discrimination, and indiscriminate violation and abuse of the human rights of women and girls in Nigeria. The CODMAP team recognizes this challenge and aims to address it by fostering awareness and enlightening Nigerians, especially women and girls, about the provisions of the Maputo Protocol. This entails leveraging the platforms of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to create awareness and integrate CODMAP into NOA’s programs.
Key Highlights:
- The advocacy visit commenced with a warm welcome from Mrs. Theresa Maduekwe, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
- The CODMAP team, constituting eight members from various organizations, introduced themselves and emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for women and girls.
- Mrs. Blessing Duru, the CODMAP team leader, shared insights into CODMAP’s mission and purpose, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach to achieve a just and equitable society for women and girls.
Challenges Identified: The primary challenge identified during the discussion was the scarcity of funds at NOA, hindering extensive public engagement and awareness activities.
Recommendations:
- Capacity building and training for the Agency’s program officers to better understand the Maputo Protocol and effectively communicate its provisions.
- Utilize NOA’s social media platforms to regularly publicize the contents and provisions of the Maputo Protocol.
- Collaborate on creating online content for increased public awareness and share it with the communication officer for posting.
- Forge a stronger partnership with NOA, endorsing them as a partner to unlock potential funding opportunities.
- Propose a joint road walk with NOA to create awareness about the Maputo Protocol, attracting media presence for maximum impact.
Conclusion: The CODMAP team expressed enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration with NOA, aligning strategies to optimize public awareness campaign efforts. They emphasized the importance of leveraging public awareness campaigns for wider reach and impact. The journey to realizing a society that upholds women’s and girls’ rights continues, fueled by collaboration and dedication.
Towards the Promotion and Popularization of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, (Maputo Protocol) CODMAP pays Advocacy Visit to International Federation of Women Lawyers, Abuja, Nigeria.
Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol (CODMAP) pays an Advocacy Visit to the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Abuja, Nigeria.
Despite the ratification of the Maputo Protocol by the Nigerian Government since December 16, 2004, she is yet to domesticate and implement all the progressive provisions hence the constant marginalization, discrimination and indiscriminate violation and abuse of the human rights of women and girls in Nigeria. There are inconsistencies and limitations in the domestic laws and policies that have placed restrictions on the extent women and girls can exercise their rights, stripping women of their fundamental human rights.
Due to these aforementioned challenges, the CODMAP team paid the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) an advocacy visit to discuss how we can partner with her to achieve the project goal knowing the pivotal role and responsibility of FIDA in advancing the rights of women and the rule of law.
The CODMAP Advocacy team which constituted of eight (8) members has participants from Alliances for Africa (AfA), Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA), Owerri, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Bayelsa State Gender Initiative team. The visiting team were received with a welcome remark by the Director of FIDA, Barr. Amina Agbaje.
Speaking to the purpose of the visit, Mrs Blessing Duru program manager of Alliances for Africa and the CODMAP tean lead appreciated the Director of FIDA for making out time to see the team even in her busy schedule. She gave a brief introduction of the Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol (CODMAP). She said CODMAP is a body instituted by Alliances for Africa on the 12th of May, 2022 which constitutes of both state and non-state actors with a vision of ensuring a just and equitable society for women and girls, and a mission of ensuring that the domestication and implementation of all the protocol’s provisions are accessible to all women and girls in Nigeria. In summary, the CODMAP team has the mandate to create safe space for women and girls in Nigeria and being in existence for 1year identified gaps, and is seeks to partner with the International Federation of Women Lawyers to address these gaps by lending their voice towards the domestication of the Maputo Protocol.
Challenges:
Speaking on the identified gaps, Mrs Duru said there is no awareness of the protocol both in the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the government, low awareness of the Protocol in women and girls and there is scarcity of young female lawyers and absence of knowledge of the Maputo Protocol amongst lawyers.
The Director of FIDA- Mrs Amina Agbaje reaponding to the team acknowledged the fact that there is zero knowledge of the protocol both in the national and regional levels.
The Director and the staff spoke on different strategies used by FIDA to share knowledge amongst lawyers which includes:
- Young lawyers are given topics on key legislatures with low knowledge on to make researches and present, prior to any of their meetings as energizers. The topics will be discussed by them hence increasing their knowledge on them.
- Mentorship committee: Older lawyers pass the baton of knowledge to younger ones
Recommendation on strategies that can be used to popularize the document, drive conversation on the Maputo Protocol hence necessitating the achievement of the project goal include:
- Leverage on the FIDA week in all the branches of the country to have discussions around the protocol
- FIDA National to give directive for awareness creation for it to be taken seriously
- Training of lawyers who have the potential to understand and train other lawyers, creating a pool of lawyers to share knowledge. The trained lawyers will in turn train the program officers of the National Orientation Agency
- Training of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)
- Leverage on the upcoming Annual African Regional Congress in August
- Printing of simplified copies like IEC materials to make it basic enough for everyone to understand it.
- FIDA branches should hold seminars to dissect the topic
- Creating awareness leveraging on FIDA’s TV/radio programmes
- To do a press statement at the national press conference
- FIDA Imo to organize a virtual training of students lawyers/undergraduates from Imo State University
- Physical sensitization of student members of FIDA
- FIDA to get involved in the African sub-region and leverage the space
Action points
CODMAP agree and strategize on specific activities and the number of lawyers that would be trained according to budget.
Barr. Kamila gave the vote of thanks, appreciating Mrs Amina for her interest, support and her productive input towards the project goal.
Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol (CODMAP) 2023 Review meeting
CODMAP Review meeting
In line with CODMAP one year strategic plan activities, the team identified the need to review all that we have done since inception; reviewing the CODMAP Score-Card using the Strategic Action Plan, spotlighting what worked well, challenges and gaps, noting best practices and lessons learnt in the course of undertaking these activities. We also found it necessary to update and refine our strategies, creating innovative strategic opportunities to advance the cause of CODMAP and finally to identify sustainability mechanisms for the coalition.
Dr. Dise Ogbise, founder of Dofoundation, appreciated AfA for its strong sisterhood and coalition efforts. She commended Mrs. Duru Blessing, CODMAP leader, Programs Manager at Alliances for Africa, for exceptional leadership and resilience, awarding her for excellence. AfA was recognized for its positive impact on women and girls in Nigeria, receiving an award of excellence. Mrs. Duru reflected on her journey to feminist advocacy, emphasizing unity and partnership to ensure a safe Nigeria for women and girls.
To continue to promote the maputo protocol the team agreed to act on the following:
- Advocacy to Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
- In-person training of young female lawyers
- Steering committee by geo-political zones
- Branding of CODMAP (website and logo)
Radio Program – Towards the Promotion and Popularization of the Maputo Protocol
As part of its activities to celebrate Maputo at 20, the Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol led by Alliances for Africa through a well structured Radio Program sensitized the Abuja community and its environs on the Maputo Protocol and it provisions reaching out to more than 10,000 listeners on Human Rights Radio 101.1 FM (Brekete family), Abuja leveraging on the WRAPA hour Program.
Click to watch/listen
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=514645217514142&id=100092534986541&mibextid=Nif5oz
A Two-day Residential Meeting on Formulation of a Data Collection Mechanism aimed at Addressing Gender-Based Discriminations and Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria Organized by Alliances for Africa (AfA)
Co- Impact Project
Funded by Co-Impact, Alliances for Africa (AfA) held a Two-day Residential Meeting on Formulation of a Data Collection Mechanism aimed at Addressing Gender-Based Discriminations and Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.
Sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination have remained an endemic concern ravaging tertiary institutions in Nigeria with long implications on the welfare of women, girls and the vulnerable group. Though efforts have been made at different levels but we realize that to address this issue requires a holistic and multisectoral approach which involves system change, foundational education, creating inclusive systems that are gender sensitive, policies that protect and deter victimization or re-occurrence of same.
AfA engaged with these heads of Gender Units of tertiary institutions and the vulnerable group to critically xray the issues and facilitate change on the 10 – 13th September, 2023.
The meeting was also to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Co-Impact project, fostering strategic and result-oriented engagement among stakeholders as well as plan on how to access harmonized data for baseline studies in the project.
The Co-Impact project is a collaborative endeavor aimed at addressing the issue of sexual harassment in the tertiary institutions through system change.
The participants identified some of the challenges towards addressing Sexual harassment in the tertiary institutions both structurally and social culturally as well as proffer solutions.
- Absence of gender and sexual harassment policy documents in some institutions
- Where present, lack of awareness and sensitization
- Lack of implementation giving rise to impunity
- Patriarchy system in the universities
- Under prioritization of the institutions
- Break down of values, (cutting corners – end justifies the means attitude
- Not appointing the right persons into positions of authority
- Under reporting incidences of of sexual harassment
Socio cultural factors
- Complicity on the part of the students
- Fear of the unknown
- Conspiracy of silence
- Normative behaviour Women are not given fair opportunity and are not elected into positions of leadership within the system
- Ignorance and lack of knowledge
- Complacency
- Biases Men feel discriminated against as a result of creation of women centre in the university
- Fear of stigmatization fear of failure
- Religion, some departments bring religion into appointments example department of Islamic studies etc.
Some of the solutions include:
- Have policy documents
- Aggressive and proactive sensitization to the hostels, faculties and departments.
- More involvement of men in the awareness creation
- Have gender champions/Ambassador appointed and trained for each department/faculty
- Encourage whistle blowing policies and use of gender app.
- Open door policy to listening to cases ore reports
- Create multifaceted channels of reporting sexual harassment
- Deliberate about punishing violators and effective implementation
- Naming and shaming publications
The team had further agreements on the relevance of data in addressing sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, data gathering for baseline study and an action plan for execution.
Alliances for Africa facilitates the National Press Conference with the Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol in Nigeria – Joint Press Statement
Joint Press Statement with Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol (CODMAP)
Date: 26th July, 2023
With Immediate Release
Theme: Maputo @20: Advancing the Rights of Women; Nigeria’s Journey with the Maputo Protocol.
We, the members of the Coalition for the Domestication of Maputo Protocol (CODMAP) – A team of representatives of various feminist organizations, women’s rights groups and government institutions in Nigeria, stand united today to reaffirm our commitment to our vision through our urgent call for action for the domestication of the Maputo Protocol in Nigeria to advance human rights of women and girls in the country.
The Maputo Protocol, also known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, is an essential legal instrument adopted by the African Union to preserve, protect and promote the rights of women on the continent. Nigeria, as a signatory to the Protocol, has committed to upholding and implementing its provisions to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment by ratifying the Protocol on the 13th of June, 2005.
It has been 18 years down the line, and we are dismayed at the inability of Nigeria to fully utilize this framework for defending and advancing women’s rights through the process of incorporating the provisions into extant laws to give it force of law. This has posed a great challenge for the general progress and development of women in Nigeria.
Notwithstanding significant progress in recent years with new policies and laws, Nigerian women continue to face various forms of discrimination, marginalization, violence, flagrant abuse and barriers to accessing their fundamental human rights which have been addressed and are contained in the articles of the protocol. CODMAP firmly believes that the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol is essential to address these challenges comprehensively and to ensure a more equitable and just society for all Nigerians.
Therefore, in the spirit of celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, we wish to highlight some of our key demands that require urgent attention from the government.
Domestication and Enforcement of the Protocol: We call upon the Nigerian government to fully domesticate and deposit the provisions of the Maputo Protocol by enacting national legislations that align with its provisions.
This will ensure that the rights enshrined in the Protocol are protected and upheld at all levels.
Political Participation and Representation: We urge for greater efforts to increase women’s representation and participation in decision-making processes at all levels of governance and leadership, including in elected positions and public offices. Through affirmative action, participative governance and the equal involvement of women in the political life of Nigeria should be promoted. The 2023 Nigerian elections are a typical example of the awful state of women representation in politics and governance in Nigeria. Women made up only 10 percent of over 15,000 candidates in the 2023 election cycle, representing eighteen political parties. At the federal level, women made up 9 percent of all candidates in the races for president, House of Representatives, and Senate. At the state level, women constituted 11 percent of all candidates running for governor and state houses of assembly.
The result of the elections is even worse as we all know. The domestication and implementation of the Maputo protocol is all we need to have this challenge addressed.
Access to Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and right: We demand adequate, affordable and accessible health services, including adequate and accurate information, education and communication programs to women especially those in rural areas. This will greatly contribute to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality which is currently at the rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births in the country thereby improving women’s overall health and well-being.
Violence Against Women and Girls: Gender-based violence remains a pressing concern in Nigeria. The government must intensify efforts to prevent and address violence against women and girls, including domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, harmful widowhood and traditional practices including denial of property and inheritance, female genital mutilation among others. This requires strengthening law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable, providing support services for survivors, preserving their dignity and fostering a culture of respect and gender equality.
Access to Justice: Article 7 of the Maputo Protocol promotes Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Protection. This provision recognizes the right of women to a fair trial and legal protection. It stresses the importance of ensuring that women have access to competent and impartial courts and legal assistance when they seek justice.
However, we are concerned that there are outstanding court judgments against Nigeria for violation of Maputo Protocol
Dorothy Njemanze and 3 others Vs FRN and Mary Sunday Vs FRN, both by the ECOWAS court of justice. We therefore demand for damages awarded to the women who were violated to be paid without more delays.
Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment: We call for targeted policies and initiatives to enhance women’s economic empowerment, including access to credit, entrepreneurship opportunities, and equal pay for equal work. Although there have been improvements in girls’ access to education, disparities persist, particularly in the northern and in rural areas. To empower women fully, we must ensure equitable access to quality education and address barriers such as early marriage and cultural norms that hinder girls’ education. We must challenge deeply-rooted gender norms and stereotypes and engage communities to help transform attitudes towards women and girls to enable them to reach their full potential and participate equally in all spheres of society.
Protection of Rights of Women with Disabilities: The “Protection of Rights of Women with Disabilities” provision in the Maputo Protocol recognizes the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities and seeks to ensure their equal access to services, education, and employment opportunities. Women with disabilities have the right to live with dignity and free from all forms of violence and abuse and Maputo Protocol clearly addresses these specific issues, to promote gender equality and inclusivity in Africa while advancing the rights and well-being of women with disabilities.
This provision specifically addresses the rights of women with disabilities, emphasizing their right to access services, education, and employment opportunities, as well as their right to live in dignity and to be free from violence and abuse.
As we make our demands, we recognize the efforts made by various stakeholders in advancing women’s rights; civil society organizations, governmental bodies, and individuals working tirelessly to promote gender equality.
We call upon the Nigerian government, and all stakeholders to re-double efforts in advocating for the domestication and implementation of the Maputo Protocol effectively. Collaborative action is essential to create an inclusive and gender-equal Nigeria where women can fully realize their rights and potential.
We commit ourselves to working together to overcome the obstacles ahead, advocating for policy changes, and fostering a society where women’s rights are respected, protected, and advanced in every sphere of life.
Thank you.
Signed,
Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA)
Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF)
International Federation of Female Lawyers
Cedar Seed Foundation
2 BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights (BAOBAB)
Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF)
National Council for Women Society (NCWS)
National Orientation Agency (NOA)
Alliances for Africa (AfA)
Centre for Gender Economics (GCE)
Initiative for Gender Equality and Sexual Reproductive Health (IGE-SRH)
Gender Studies and Chairperson Women in Academics
About CODMAP: Alliances for Africa established on May 12, 2022, the Coalition for the Domestication of the Maputo Protocol (CODMAP); a multi-stakeholder body comprising state and non-state actors; (ministries, departments and agencies) and feminist organizations working collectively with a vision to realizing a just and equitable society for women and girls. CODMAP seeks to achieve an ultimate goal of defending and advancing the human rights of women and girls which includes; better protection against all forms of violence, access to justice, economic and political empowerment among others through the domestication of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, better known as the Maputo Protocol.
About Alliances for Africa (AfA): AfA is an international, African, feminist-led non-governmental, human rights, peace and sustainable development organization. AfA was created to enhance, reconstruct and interface human right and development, with a vision to contributing innovatively to the task of tackling causes of endemic poverty and exclusion in Africa. AfA works with partners in, around and beyond the continent of Africa to advocate for the protection of human rights; promote women’s participation in leadership and governance; build institutional capacity, advocate for gender justice, equality and non-discrimination, as well as promote peace, security and conflict resolution interventions.