WLSA LAUNCHES THE CAMPAIGN ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES RIGHTS

 

Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) says there is need to popularize the African Charter on Human and people’s rights instrument and all other instruments relevant to the rights of women.

 

Speaking during the launch of the campaign on, African Charter on Human and people’s rights instrument, Human Rights Commissioner Ms. Godfridah Sumaili said that it is only through awareness creation that women can be empowered with the necessary knowledge to stand up for their rights.

She said the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and people’s rights on the rights of women is a comprehensive instrument covering a wide range of issues on women’s rights,

 

“It stipulates the need for states to adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee women equal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities”. She said

 

She added that it addresses the need to intensify the fight against discrimination and marginalization of women in Africa. The protocol also calls for women and men to be treated equally before the law and be accorded equal protection and benefit of the law.

 

Ms Sumaili further disclosed that the instrument also outlines the need for the protection of social, economic and cultural rights of women adding that it also aims at eliminating all forms of discrimination against women.

 

Pastor Sumaila commended WLSA and all other partners for the initiative, and added that the Human Rights Commission is ready to partner with other organizations so as to raise the profile of the rights of all human beings.