12. Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (2003)

(Adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the African Union, 11 July 2003)

The States Parties to this Protocol,

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HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

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Article 2
Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

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2. States Parties shall commit themselves to modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of women and men through public education, information, education and communication strategies, with a view to achieving the elimination of harmful cultural and traditional practices and all other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes, or on stereotyped roles for women and men.

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Article 4
The Rights to Life, Integrity and Security of the Person

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2. States Parties shall take appropriate and effective measures to:

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d) actively promote peace education through curricula and social communication in order to eradicate elements in traditional and cultural beliefs, practices and stereotypes which legitimise and exacerbate the persistence and tolerance of violence against women;

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Article 5
Elimination of Harmful Practices

States Parties shall prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices which negatively affect the human rights of women and which are contrary to recognised international standards. States Parties shall take all necessary legislative and other measures to eliminate such practices, including:

a) creation of public awareness in all sectors of society regarding harmful practices through information, formal and informal education and outreach programmes;

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Article 8
Access to Justice and Equal Protection before the Law

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: 

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c) the establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women;

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Article 10
Right to Peace

1. Women have the right to a peaceful existence and the right to participate in the promotion and maintenance of peace.

2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the increased participation of women:

a) in programmes of education for peace and a culture of peace;

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Article 12
Right to Education and Training

1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to:

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b) eliminate all stereotypes in textbooks, syllabuses and the media, that perpetuate such discrimination;

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d) provide access to counselling and rehabilitation services to women who suffer abuses and sexual harassment;

e) integrate gender sensitisation and human rights education at all levels of education curricula including teacher training.

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