Africa's Historic Gender Equality Law Finalized
A significant step towards gender equality in Africa has been taken with the finalisation of the Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity. The law, rooted in both African and global norms, was reviewed and adapted at a high-level retreat held at the Blades Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa, on July 26, 2025.
The retreat, convened by the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders. These included parliamentarians, legal experts, youth leaders, consultants, and international partners. The African Union (AU), regional economic communities, and various women's rights and civil society organizations from across African countries also participated. The aim was to transform the draft law into an adaptive and transformative instrument for gender justice in Africa.
The Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity in Africa, considered one of the continent's most ambitious normative frameworks on gender justice, provides a clear roadmap for its adoption, ensuring that all stakeholders feel a sense of ownership and are committed to its successful implementation.
The finalised Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity in Africa, now backed by a clear roadmap, is set to drive significant progress towards gender equality and equity across the African continent. With all stakeholders committed to its implementation, the stage is set for transformative change in gender justice.
