UN Assembly Urges Action to Protect Women's Rights

During the 81st UN General Assembly on Wednesday, concerns were raised about a growing anti-rights pushback that threatens the progress made for women and girls. This issue was central to the SHE & Rights session on gender equality, health rights, and accountability, co-hosted by CeHDI, CNS, IPPF, ARROW, and APCAT Media.

Experts noted that narratives surrounding family values, culture, religion, and sovereignty are increasingly being employed to dilute women's rights. Dr Robert Eno, Registrar of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, stated that there is no indication that the proposed African Charter on family sovereignty and values will be presented to the AU Assembly before February 2027.

He emphasized the importance of implementation and accountability regarding existing frameworks like the Maputo Protocol. Rehema Namukose from Musawah pointed out that anti-rights actors are using the concept of 'family' to obstruct equality, with rising "family protection" bills in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda that restrict bodily autonomy.