“ We are all born equal irrespective of sex, race, religion and creed.
This preamble of the Declaration of Human Rights recognizes that women’s rights is not a mere act of charity but a principle which is one of humanity and a precursor to inclusiveness and prosperity. This principle is further reaffirmed in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, consecrated in the Protocol to the Charter on Human and People’s Rights in Africa on the Rights of Women and by prior continental and global conventions and policies on human and women’s rights and actualized by the AU theme of 2016 “human rights with a particular focus on the rights of women”. This report is dedicated to all the women and men whose commitment and actions have led to the respect and promotion of women’s rights on the continent. The late Ambassador Fatoumata Sire Diakite, ( title ) invested the better years of her adult life in promoting and implementing actions which yielded positive benefits for women in her native Mali and across the continent. We will miss her passion and may her soul rest in eternal peace. This report is the first in a series which the AUC working with its partners and inspired by Member States efforts will continue to collaborate with UN-OHCHR to raise awareness and influence policy in support of women’s rights which require urgent attention and need focus in order to obtain the necessary attention. This first report which commemorates the AU theme for 2016 is informed by existing reports such as the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, the Reports of the Special Rapporteur on Women’s Rights and from other recognized AU and international sources. I am particularly pleased that this report is providing an update on the status of domestication of the Maputo Protocol in all of our Member States and providing knowledge on topics such as women in prison and those living with albinism which deserve our attention and action. Enjoy ! ”