Pap-African Parliament Moves Closer to Gender Equality with New Model Law
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has made a big move toward gender equality by advancing a new Gender Equality Model Law. This important step happened during a special meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, from May 27 to 31, 2025. The meeting, called a retreat, brought together lawmakers, gender equality experts, people from community organizations, and legal professionals from all over Africa. They all worked together to discuss and improve the draft law, which could bring major changes for women and girls across the continent.
Why This Law Matters
The Gender Equality Model Law is designed to help African Union (AU) countries create or improve their own national laws about gender equality. The law gives clear and detailed guidelines for protecting women’s rights and making sure men and women have equal opportunities. This effort supports the AU’s long-term plan called Agenda 2063 and also connects to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, which is about achieving gender equality worldwide.
- Agenda 2063: A vision for Africa’s future that includes equality for all.
- SDG 5: The United Nations’ goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Key Issues Covered in the Law
During the Pretoria retreat, participants talked in detail about the main parts of the draft law. Some of the most important topics discussed were:
- Ending gender-based violence: Creating rules to protect women and girls from harm.
- Equal participation: Making sure women have the same opportunities as men in politics and the economy.
- Access to education and healthcare: Guaranteeing that girls and women can go to school and receive proper medical care.
- Stopping harmful cultural practices: Preventing traditions that hurt women and girls, such as early marriage or discrimination.
- Fairness at work: Making sure women are not treated unfairly at their jobs.
- Gender-responsive budgeting: Ensuring government budgets consider the needs of both men and women.
Voices from the Meeting
Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is the President of the Pan-African Parliament, explained why this law is so important. He said, “This is a historic moment for Africa. The Gender Equality Model Law will provide a strong legal framework to advance the rights of women and girls across the continent. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Ms. Thandiwe Mlambo, representing the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), also shared her thoughts: “We are proud to have contributed to this process. The Model Law is a powerful tool for advocacy and accountability.”
Experts and Organizations Lend Support
Several important organizations took part in the discussions, including:
- UN Women
- African Union Commission
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Civil Society Brings Women’s Voices Forward
Community organizations played a big role in shaping the draft law. They made sure the law addresses real-life problems and needs of women across Africa. Their involvement means the law is not just about rules, but also about making a true difference in people’s everyday lives.
- Groups like FEMNET made sure grassroots women’s voices were heard.
- They pushed for policies that can be used for both advocacy and holding leaders accountable.
What Happens Next?
Now that the draft law has been discussed and improved, the next steps are:
- Finalizing the draft Gender Equality Model Law.
- Submitting it to the full Pan-African Parliament for adoption.
- Sharing the adopted law with all African Union member countries.
- Encouraging each country to make their own laws match the new model law’s standards.
Why This Law Is a Milestone
Many people see the advancement of the Gender Equality Model Law as a major milestone in Africa’s journey toward gender justice. By creating one strong example for all countries to follow, the PAP hopes to make sure women and girls have better protection, more opportunities, and fair treatment everywhere on the continent. As Africa continues to develop and work together, this law is expected to help millions of women and girls live safer, healthier, and more equal lives.
Looking Forward
With support from lawmakers, experts, and community groups, the Gender Equality Model Law stands as a symbol of hope and progress. As the law moves closer to becoming official, many are watching to see how it will help shape a brighter, fairer future for everyone in Africa.