African Disability Forum (ADF) recognizes the paramount significance and importance of the African Union’s (AU) adoption of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG) in February 2025 and congratulates all involved parties.

Once ratified by African states, CEVAWG will play a crucial role in protecting the human rights of women and girls, including women and girls with disabilities, across the continent.

In the face of multiple forms of violence, abuse, harassment, injustice and inequality, the convention will serve as an essential legal instrument to reinforce national and civil society efforts while also scaling up positive impact of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol.

Similarly, the convention will play a crucial role in shaping the ongoing struggles of women and girls with disabilities in Africa as they fight to free themselves from dehumanizing inequality, discrimination, barriers, and injustices. These challenges, compounded by misguided perceptions, harmful narratives, taboos, practices, economic stress, natural disaster, and conflict, expose women and —particularly those with disabilities—to various forms of life-threatening violence across the continent.

To advance national ratifications and enforcement at the level of African National States, it will be essential to develop a strong lobbying and advocacy strategy while fostering dialogue and engagement at various levels. In this regard, ADF reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with the African Union’s Women, Gender and Youth Department, as well as all other relevant stakeholders.