Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, has urged African governments to ratify and implement the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This crucial step aims to strengthen legal protection for women and girls across the continent. Such implementation is vital for advancing Africa’s peace, security, democracy, and overall development objectives.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, made this call during a High-Level Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa. The dialogue focused on the ratification, domestication, and accountability of the African Union Convention. She highlighted that Africa cannot achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063 if more than half of its population continues to face threats of violence, exploitation, and discrimination. The Convention, adopted in February 2025 during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, provides a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to integrate gender equality into economic and social policies across Ghana and the wider African continent. Ghana, like many African nations, faces challenges in fully recognizing and valuing women's contributions to its economy. The call for ratification underscores a growing recognition that gender-based violence has significant economic repercussions, including reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. Addressing these issues is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth and social stability.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stated, “Africa cannot achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063 while more than half of its population continues to live under the threat of violence, exploitation and discrimination.” She further recommended that governments redesign household census instruments to measure the economic value of unpaid care and domestic work performed by women. Quantifying this invaluable contribution would provide governments with a more accurate understanding of women’s impact on national economies. This data would then enable the creation of genuinely representative gender-responsive budgets.
The implementation of this Convention will likely lead to increased investment in critical social sectors. Decision-makers and markets will watch for legislative actions and budget allocations reflecting these commitments. Parliaments, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings noted, have an oversight responsibility to promote gender-responsive budgeting. This includes investments in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and protection services for survivors of gender-based violence. It also involves ensuring access to justice and fostering women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance, and leadership roles. These measures are essential for unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls, contributing to a more robust and equitable economy.
Furthermore, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings cautioned about the ethical governance of emerging technologies, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). She warned against misogynistic algorithms embedded in AI systems that could amplify harmful stereotypes or promote extremist narratives. Such technologies can normalize discrimination and violence against women and girls. She emphasized the need for ethical standards, accountability, and legal frameworks to guide technological innovation. The Pan-African Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Convention through parliamentary diplomacy, legislative engagement, and strategic partnerships. This will encourage member states to expedite the signature, ratification, domestication, and implementation of this landmark convention.