Women’s rights advocacy group, Alliance Rights and Health, is calling on African governments to back their words with action following the adoption of the African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
Describing the Convention as a historic advancement for women’s rights across the continent, the organisation cautioned that without strong political commitment, harmonised legal reforms, and adequate funding, the agreement risks becoming a symbolic achievement rather than a transformative one.
“The time for promises is over. Now is the time for action,” the group said in a statement.
Alliance Rights and Health is demanding that the six African governments involved in the Convention move swiftly to implement national action plans that are fully budgeted, inclusive, and results-oriented.
These plans, the group insists, must address prevention of violence, provide protection and access to justice for survivors, and ensure their socio-economic reintegration.
“Every day of delay exposes more women and girls to unacceptable violence. We cannot afford to wait,” the statement added.
The group is urging governments to criminalise all forms of gender-based violence, reform national laws in line with international and regional commitments, and make justice more accessible for survivors.
It also called for increased, long-term national funding to fight gender-based violence, along with strong partnerships with the private sector and the creation of transparent funding mechanisms.
In addition, Alliance Rights and Health stressed the importance of improving coordination among stakeholders, strengthening data systems, and investing in specialised support services and professional training.
The organisation appealed to civil society groups, feminist movements, development partners, and private sector actors to join forces in creating a safer, more dignified future for women and girls in West Africa.
“This is not just a policy issue. It is a moral imperative. The time for ratification is now. The time for action is now,” it said.