Abstract
To mitigate the oppression, abuse and violation affecting women, the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) the number one global Human Rights tool for the protection of women was drafted. Maputo Protocol was introduced at the regional grade where it was well accepted by the African Women as it is closer to the grassroot. It is a known fact that women and children are usually the ones at the receiving end of various forms of violation and therefore they need to be protected. This work focuses on women’s right, protection and promotion of same. It addresses a lot of issues faced by the African women especially issues that CEDAW did not address nor expatiate well on. Though CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol have the same agenda which is to protect women against every form of bias and promote equality, yet each differs in a unique way and addresses women’s right issues in peculiar ways. It should be known that Maputo Protocol got its voice from CEDAW and therefore, the role of CEDAW cannot be undermined and relegated even in Africa. This paper analyses CEDAW and The Maputo Protocol. It went further to suggest ways by which these Women’s rights instrument can be enhanced to serve their purposes better. The use of comparative and doctrinal methodology was applied in this paper as it considers the provisions of law in both instruments. It also discusses other relevant works.
Authors: Yewande Fatoki, Tobiloba Awotoye
