African women made history in 2003 through the adoption of a protocol that specifically protects women’s human rights and breaks new ground in international law. But before the protocol has the force of law, fifteen governments must ratify it. As of early March 2005, ten countries had ratified the Protocol (Comoros, Djibouti, Libya, Lesotho, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal). By writing to African governments to urge ratification, you can help promote desperately needed women’s rights in Africa. Read this Human Rights Watch feature on the Protocol by visiting their website.