Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Urges African Leaders to Ratify Convention Ending Violence Against Women and Girls to Secure Continental Progress

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, has issued a powerful call for African nations to prioritize the eradication of violence against women and girls. Speaking at a high-level dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa, she asserted that such violence is not merely a social issue but a fundamental threat to the continent’s aspirations for peace, security, and sustainable development. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that achieving the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 is impossible while women and girls continue to face systemic exploitation, discrimination, and physical harm.

Central to the discussions was the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG), which was adopted in February 2025. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings urged African leaders to move beyond rhetoric by accelerating the ratification and domestication of this landmark legal framework. She highlighted the necessity of constructive parliamentary oversight and gender-responsive budgeting to ensure that policies translate into tangible safety measures and support systems for survivors. By recognizing women’s rights as fundamental human rights, she argued that the continent could build a more stable, democratic, and prosperous future.

Beyond legislative action, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings advocated for structural shifts in how women’s contributions to society are valued. She called for improved data collection to capture the significant yet often overlooked economic contributions of women, alongside increased investment in girls’ education and women’s health. Furthermore, she addressed the emerging challenges posed by modern technology, specifically calling for ethical standards in the development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She warned that without proper safeguards and vigilance, AI could propagate harmful misogynistic stereotypes and exacerbate existing gender inequalities across the continent.

The high-level dialogue, organized by the Women’s Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament, brought together legislators, civil society leaders, and diverse stakeholders to strategize on continental safety. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings reaffirmed the commitment of the Pan-African Parliament to championing these initiatives and ensuring that gender-based violence remains a top priority on the continental agenda. The event concluded with a unified call for multi-sectoral cooperation, stressing that ending violence against women is an essential prerequisite for Africa's long-term stability and development.