THE African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) – Tanzania has commended the ongoing efforts by the African Union (AU) to prepare a special Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG).

In a statement availed to the media yesterday, the network stated that the meeting is a significant step towards the adoption of this historic Convention.

The statement further highlighted that the AU-CEVAWG represents an important opportunity to address gaps in existing systems and ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are recognised, prevented, and addressed through connected, effective, and culturally sensitive approaches.

The Convention is also described as establishing a unified legal framework that stresses accountability and supports member states in protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls across Africa.

In February 2023, African heads of state and government took a historic step by adopting the decision to discuss the AU Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG), the first legal instrument on the continent aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

At the 37th AU Summit in February 2024, the Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to conclude discussions and finalise the draft of the Convention by February 2025.

However, in November this year, African Ministers for Gender met at an AU Ministerial Consultation Meeting, where they adopted the draft of the AU Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

The statement noted that this progress is significant for Tanzania, which this year has implemented key systems such as the Gender Policies for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, and the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children.

The network has also welcomed the 10th meeting of the Special Technical Committee on Legal Affairs and Legal Matters to review the draft of the Convention, which is expected to take place in Zanzibar under Tanzania’s chairmanship.

The AWLN-Tanzania also commended the governments of Tanzania and the of Zanzibar for their continuous efforts and achievements under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) alongside addressing violence against women and girls.

At the November Ministerial Consultation Meeting, the Gender Ministers proposed the establishment of a special committee to manage and implement the provisions of AU-CEVAWG. AWLN-Tanzania expressed its support for this recommendation, recognizing the importance of such a Committee to ensure accountability by monitoring progress, advocating for robust implementation, and holding Member States to their commitments.