Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is prevalent in Africa, occurring in both public and private spheres during peacetime and war. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns exacerbated the issue, leading to a surge intimate partner violence and highlighting pre-existing gender inequalities as a cause and effect of VAWG.
To review the progress made in ending VAWG in Africa at the national and regional levels, and to identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities in advancing the rights of women and girls, Equality Now and SOAWR, in partnership with The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have launched our “Regional Evidence-based Mapping and Assessment on the Status of Domestication and Enforcement of Laws and Policies, and National Action Plans in line with Global and Regional Human Rights Commitments on Ending Violence against Women and Girls” report.