16 Days of Activism: The importance of effective implementation

Over her lifetime, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence — regardless of age, background, or country — which means that sexual violence impacts women and girls in epidemic proportions.

Good laws are a critical first step, but they alone are not enough to prevent sexual violence and deliver justice to survivors. Laws are only effective if they are properly implemented, which requires educating the population on their rights and properly training those tasked with carrying out the law.

That’s why at Equality Now, we work with and advise justice actors from around the world to understand how a comprehensive, gender-sensitive investigation and prosecution, properly conducted, would lead to improved justice for survivors of sexual violence.?

As the second week of 16 Days of Activism progresses, explore a round-up of our latest blogs and resources on sexual violence laws.

How the Maputo Protocol has supported justice for survivors of sexual violence in Africa

The Maputo Protocol, formally known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, is a beacon of hope for women and girls across the continent. Since its adoption in 2003, this landmark treaty has been pivotal in driving justice for survivors of sexual violence, fostering progressive legal reforms, and empowering African courts to take decisive action against gender-based violence.

Recently we released Breathing Life into the Maputo Protocol: Jurisprudence on the Rights of Women and Girls in Africa - 2nd Edition, a resource for legal practitioners looking to apply the Maputo Protocol in strategic litigation in national and regional courts, to enhance the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls in Africa.

>>> Head to our blog to read an overview of how the Maputo Protocol can support justice for survivors of sexual violence

>>> Explore the full case digest

16 Days of Activism: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Women and girls with disabilities are up to ten times more likely to experience gender-based violence throughout their lives compared to those without disabilities. Between 40% and 68% of young women with disabilities are likely to experience sexual violence before the age of 18.

As part of our intersectional approach to addressing sexual violence, we recognize the importance of understanding how different markers of identity, such as disability, intersect to create unique barriers to justice. Throughout 2024, Equality Now has worked to address systemic failures that perpetuate injustice against survivors, particularly by highlighting and advocating for the elimination of discrimination that affects women, girls, and adolescents with disabilities.

>>> Explore more about our work to ensure access to justice for survivors with disabilities

How Equality Now is working to address sexual violence with an intersectional lens

Sexual violence is a global epidemic that disproportionately impacts marginalized groups. Not only are survivors from these groups unduly targeted, but they also face additional barriers when navigating the criminal justice system.? Equality Now recognizes that to achieve justice and support for all survivors, an intersectional lens must be integrated into laws, policies, and procedures from the outset. This approach ensures that systems are designed to cater to the diverse needs and identities of survivors.?

>>> From empowering youth to end sexual violence to addressing caste-based sexual violence, read more about sexual violence at the intersections of marginalization

Climate change in Azerbaijan is putting women at increased risk of gender-based violence

Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities and gender-based violence. At COP29 in Azerbaijan, governments have been urged to prioritize gender-responsive climate policies that address the specific needs of women and girls, and serious concerns have been raised about backtracking on women’s rights during these crucial negotiations on climate action.

Clean World Social Union collaborates with the international women’s rights organization Equality Now to strengthen the legal rights of women and girls in Azerbaijan. Coordinator Leyla Suleymanova spoke to Equality Now about how climate-induced displacement is impacting women in the country and why the government urgently needs to do more in response.

>>> Read the full interview on our website

Decriminalizing Adultery in South Sudan

As South Sudan rebuilds in the shadows of conflict, the country has a pivotal chance to reshape its justice system to serve its people better. However, outdated laws such as the criminalization of adultery stand in the way of progress when it comes to realizing the rights of women and girls in line with regional and international human rights instruments, including the Maputo Protocol, an important treaty ratified by President Salva Kiir in March 2023.

Rooted in patriarchal control, laws addressing inequalities when it comes to adultery, for example, perpetuate gender inequality and subject women to disproportionate violence, social exclusion, and legal oppression. Decriminalizing adultery is more than a legal reform — it is an urgent human rights and feminist demand for the autonomy, dignity, and rights of women across the nation.

>>> Read the full article by our MENA Gender Advisor, Paleki Ayang

Advancing Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Bolivia

Last week, Equality Now was in Cochabamba, Bolivia, with allies including Comunidad de Derechos Humanos, Alianza Libres sin Violencia, and the Red Nacional de Promotoras Comunitarias to further the fight against sexual violence in the country. Our activities involved validating specific guidelines for judges and training the Network of Litigating Lawyers on key topics related to international standards on sexual violence and strategic litigation.

>>> Read more about our efforts in Bolivia

Hear direct from our teams around the world. Last week we launched two new LinkedIn channels, Equality Now Africa and Equality Now Latin America and the Caribbean bringing you news and insights directly from Equality Now’s expert team in the regions.

Together, we can strive for a future where all women—regardless of where they live—are protected, empowered, and guaranteed justice. Let’s take action now because no one should ever have to fight alone.

Explore more resources on the effective implementation of sexual violence laws on our website.