A historic moment took place yesterday in Djibouti with the official signing by the Republic of Djibouti of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG).

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Women and Family, was presided over by H.E. Ms. Mouna Osman Aden, Minister of Women and Family, who reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to actively work toward the ratification and implementation of this groundbreaking Convention. On this occasion, Djibouti became the very first Member State of the African Union to sign with the intention to ratify the AU-CEVAWG, demonstrating its continental leadership in the area of women’s rights and the fight against gender-based violence.

The ceremony took place in the presence of a high-level delegation from the African Union, led by H.E. Ms. Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, as well as representatives from the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN). Also in attendance were Ms. Ilwad Elmi Mohamed, Ag. Head of the Youth Division, Ms. Sitti Mshangama, AWLN Coordinator in Addis Ababa, Ms. Anissa Hassan Bahdon, Secretary-General of the Ministry, and Ms. Choukri Houssein Djibibah, Director of the National Gender Observatory.

This act was part of a joint advocacy and technical support mission led by the African Union Commission, AWLN, UN Women, and UNDP to promote the ratification of the Convention.

Launch of the Djibouti National Chapter of AWLN

The signing of the AU-CEVAWG coincided with the official launch of the Djibouti National Chapter of the African Women Leaders Network, held on 8 April 2025 under the high patronage of H.E. Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti.

This launch brought together women leaders from all sectors - politics, civil society, private sector, youth, and rural communities - and enabled the Chapter to identify its strategic priorities around six key pillars: governance and political participation; peace and security; women’s entrepreneurship; young women’s leadership; agriculture; and social mobilization.

AWLN Positive Masculinity Award to Djibouti Head of State

On this solemn occasion, AWLN awarded H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh the prestigious Positive Masculinity Award, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls in Djibouti. This continental award, established under the Positive Masculinity in Leadership Initiative, celebrates Heads of State and Government who are actively engaged in promoting transformative and inclusive leadership.

With this recognition, the President of the Republic of Djibouti has joined the AU Circle of Champions on Positive Masculinity. In this role, alongside fellow Heads of State, he will continue to champion the Positive Masculinity agenda and advocate for the universal ratification and effective implementation of the AU-CEVAWG.

A Step Toward a Safer Future for Women and Girls in Africa

Djibouti’s signing of the AU-CEVAWG comes at a time when violence against women and girls remains a persistent reality across the continent. By joining this continental movement, Djibouti marks a decisive turning point, committing to strengthen its legal and institutional mechanisms to prevent, protect, and respond effectively to all forms of gender-based violence.

The African Union Commission, through its Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, and the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, commend this strong political commitment and call on other Member States to follow suit to ensure the swift entry into force and effective implementation of the Convention at the continental level.

For further information, please contact: 

Ms. Ilwad Elmi Mohamed | Senior Policy Officer, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: ELMIMOHAMEDI@africanunion.org

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Ms. Arlette Akingeneye | Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: AkingeneyeA@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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