Women’s Rights in Africa: The CEDAW and ACHPR in the 21st Century
Ebenezer Kojo Gyesi Mensah

Abstract
The struggle for women's rights in Africa has been characterized by pervasive gender-based violence, systemic discrimination, and limited access to economic, healthcare, and educational opportunities. However, despite these challenges, advancing women's rights is imperative due to women comprising about half of the continent's population. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) uphold women's rights to equality and non-discrimination. Regional protocols like the Maputo Protocol and legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) provide additional protections for women's rights in Africa. These international agreements and legal frameworks serve as crucial tools for advocacy, policy development, and legal reform to address gender-based discrimination and advance women's empowerment. Yet, integrating these instruments effectively into African domestic settings to combat violence against women poses challenges due to inherent weaknesses and difficulties. Thus, prioritizing the protection and progress of women in regional human rights instruments is vital for addressing gender inequality in Africa. This article critically examines the successes and challenges of advancing women’s rights in Africa using international conventions and regional legal frameworks. It looks at the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). This paper explores the significance, limitations of these conventions and also proffer pragmatic strategies in advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Africa.

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