Women’s Organisations call on African Countries to Ratify Protocol without further delay

A joint press conference by the Babikar Badri Scientific Association for Women, Ahfad University and the Pan African Coalition Solidarity for African Women’s Rights called for the remaining thirty six countries including Sudan to ratify the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa without further delay.

Speaking at the conference, Burundian Therese Nyondiko of the Pan African Coalition Solidarity for African Women’s Rights working in nineteen countries said, “The coming into force of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa on November 25th 2005 offers new possibilities for women and girls across our continent. By the time the Summit opens, seventeen countries from all regions of Africa will have ratified the Protocol.” She went on to say “This without doubt marks a significant achievement in the promotion and protection of women’s rights in the continent. We must, together celebrate this achievement.” Sudanese civil society organisations also spoke about the relevance of the Protocol for sustained peace and develeopment in all parts of Sudan. Prof. Balgis Badri, Director of Women, Gender and Development Institute spoke of the need to campaign for the remaining thirty-six African countries that have not yet ratified the Protocol. She said, “Sudan is one of the 36 countries that have not ratified the Protocol. As the host of this Summit, we must accelerate our commitment to this important policy. I shall be encouraging my Government to publicly announce their commitment to ratify the Protocol at this Summit. Sudan must not be left behind by the rest of Africa.” The press conference is the first of a number of activities planned in Khartoum, Sudan.

<< Back to main