What is Right with Africa: The Promise of the Protocol on Women's Rights in Africa

The Maputo Protocol represents an Africa-focused and -driven framework for comprehensive human rights and is widely celebrated as the most progressive international treaty on women's rights. A comparison between Africa's ratification history with those of so-called advanced economies and mature democracies illustrates the value placed on human rights in Africa. Reflecting on the genesis, opportunities, and challenges of the Protocol, the authors analyze the generative gains of demonstrating "what is right with Africa" in the pursuit of gender justice.