We are found on the weeks where the international community marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The movement was started last November 25. This 16 days campaign spotlights the actions being taken to end the global scourge-violence against women- which is one of the most pervasive human rights abuses in the world.
Under this year’s theme, “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape”, the campaign has focused on the issue of rape as a specific form of harm committed against women and girls in times of peace or war.
According to a new report released by African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) and Plan International, millions of African girls face exclusion and exploitation on daily basis because the law discriminates them and fails to uphold their rights. Many laws perpetuated deeply ingrained political, social and cultural belief and practices designed to subjugate girls.
African Report on Girls and the Law report on the other hand indicated that, “Informal” courts which compel girls to marry men who raped or sexually assaulted them are indications how African laws and value systems have still gaps in protecting the right of women.
ACPF report further indicated that exploitation and subjugation of African girls begins at birth and continues throughout their adulthood. Many adolescent girls are forced to drop out of schools before completing secondary levels and pressurized into accounting gender stereotypical roles both at home and in the formal and informal world of work.
According to Executive Director of African Child Forum (ACPF) Dr. Assefa Bequele, African girls are valued and respected far less than boys. Exclusion, exploitation, deprivation and subjugation are the norm for the overwhelming majority.
“Gender discrimination is still embedded in the laws of many African countries, even those which are signatories to international agreements. Even though laws and policies aimed at protection and promoting the rights of girls do exist, they are frequently implemented inadequately or ignored. This is unacceptable and must stop.”
Though there are several instances of violence against women, prohibition of discrimination based on sex is one of the areas where the government of Ethiopia is trying. Federal Constitution Article 25 and 35 are good examples in this regard.
As part of its allegiance towards protecting the rights of women, FDRE constitution Article 35 has granted women several rights. This includes equal rights with men in the enjoyment of the rights and protections.
The Ethiopian Herald December4, 2019
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
