Open Access

The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa: a commentary
The first in a series of PULP commentaries on African human rights law, under the series title: PULP Commentaries on African human rights law
Edited by Annika Rudman, Celestine Nyamu Musembi & Trésor Muhindo Makunya
2023
ISBN: 978-1-7764117-8-8
Pages: 641
Print version: Available
Electronic version: Free PDF available
About the publication
Since its adoption on 11 July 2003, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol) has become a landmark on the African human rights landscape. It has steadily gained prominence as a trail-blazing instrument, responsive to the diverse realities of women on the African continent. This comprehensive Commentary on the Maputo Protocol, the first of its kind, provides systematic analysis of each article of the Protocol, delving into the drafting history, and elaborating on relevant key concepts and normative standards.
This Commentary aims to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for anyone interested in the Maputo Protocol, such as researchers, teachers, students, practitioners, policymakers and activists.
Table of Contents
Preface
Frans Viljoen
Table of abbreviations and acronyms
Table of legislation
Table of cases
Contributors
Introduction
Annika Rudman
Preamble
Annika Rudman
Article 1: Definitions
Mariam Kamunyu
Article 2: Elimination of discrimination against women
Emma Lubaale
Article 3: Right to dignity .
Charlene Kreuser
Article 4: The rights to life, integrity and security of the person
Ruth Nekura
Article 5: Elimination of harmful practices
Satang Nabaneh
Article 6: Marriage
Celestine Nyamu Musembi
Article 7: Separation, divorce and annulment of marriage
Celestine Nyamu Musembi
Article 8: Access to justice and equal protection before the law
Annika Rudman
Article 9: Right to participation in the political and decision-making process
Theodora Talumba Mkali and Annika Rudman
Article 10: Right to peace
Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz
Article 11: Protection of women in armed conflicts
Trésor Muhindo Makunya and Junior Mumbala Abelungu
Article 12: The right to education
Sheila Parvyn Wamahiu and Celestine Nyamu Musembi
Article 13: Economic and social welfare rights
Anneth Amin Mnzava
Article 14: Health and reproductive rights
Ebenezer Durojaye
Article 15: Right to food security
Trésor Muhindo Makunya and Mercy Bwanaisa
Article 16: Right to adequate housing
Magnus Killander
Article 17: Right to a positive cultural context
Adetokunbo Johnson
Article 18: Right to a healthy and sustainable environment
Ademola Oluborode Jegede and Pfanelo Lorrain Mamphiswana
Article 19: Right to sustainable development
Ademola Oluborode Jegede and Ndzumbululo Mulaudzi
Article 20: Widows’ rights
Crystal Mokoena
Article 21: Right to inheritance
Zahara Nampewo
Article 22: Special protection of elderly women
Lilian Chenwi
Article 23: Special protection of women with disabilities
Lilian Chenwi
Article 24: Special protection of women in distress
Johanna Bond
Article 25: Remedies
Matilda Lasseko-Phooko
Article 26: Implementation and monitoring
Rachel Murray
Articles 27 and 32: The interpretative mandate under the Maputo Protocol
Frans Viljoen and Mariam Kamunyu
Articles 28-31: Final clauses
Sâ Benjamin Traoré