Under the theme:

Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action:
Unite To End Violence Against Women

Today, on the 25th of November, the African Union Commission joins the international community in observing the “16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence”, under the theme “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Africa”. This year, the 16 Days of Activism Campaign holds significance for Africa as we have just concluded the Negotiations on the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG), the first AU treaty aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, showcasing Africa’s leadership in the global fight against violence.

I note with concern that three decades after Beijing, we continue to witness numerous cases of violence against women and girls, including ruthless killings, across our continent. The persistence of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and harmful practices in various part of our continent serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we still face. These acts are not isolated incidents; they reflect a deep-rooted and pervasive culture of violence that we must work collectively to dismantle. Violence Against Women and Girls has no place in Africa and we must stand together against this scourge!

I wish to take note of the significant progress that Africa has made in protecting women’s human rights, especially in the promulgation of legislation and policies that criminalizes violence against women and girls, that repeals discriminatory practices against women, that prohibits harmful cultural practices and outlaws early-child marriages, among others. At the continental level, the African Union Commission is leading a Campaign on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls that raises awareness about the impact of violence on Africa’s development and encourages Member States to establish national campaigns and other local mechanisms to end VAWG. I am also pleased at the work conducted under the AU High-Level Presidential Initiative on Positive Masculinity in Leadership to End Violence Against Women and Girls, that mobilizes men and boys to join the fight against gender-based violence. These initiatives have contributed in pushing back against VAWG and fostering a culture of respect and equality in Africa.

The year 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which highlights the vital role of women in peace and security, particularly in preventing conflict-related sexual violence. Africa is leading the way with 37 National Action Plans on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), showcasing our commitment to integrating women's perspectives into peacebuilding efforts.

As we progress towards the adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, we recognize the critical importance of a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and respond to violence in Africa. The adoption of the AU CEVAWG will demonstrate the commitment of the AU Heads of State and Government and AU Member States as well as the African Union Commission (AUC) to bring an end to violence against women and girls and to create conditions where women and girls can thrive and live free from all forms of violence. I would also like to commend AU Citizens and all our partners for their dedication and contribution to the development process of the Convention, underscoring the collective commitment to building a safer continent for women and girls.

As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, I encourage all Member States and stakeholders to take immediate, concrete steps to bolster their legal systems, provide sufficient funding, and guarantee access to justice and support for survivors. I also call on men, boys, and communities to actively contribute to fostering a culture of nonviolence, respect, and equality.

Let us renew our dedication to eradicating gender-based violence and tirelessly strive for an Africa where every woman and girl can flourish without fear of violence.