ACDHRS Sounds Alarm as Africa Marks Day to End Violence Against Women

The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has issued a powerful warning as the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, calling the crisis “one of Africa’s most urgent human rights emergencies.”

The organisation says the day carries historic weight this year, coinciding with the start of the global 16 Days of Activism and the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol—yet violence against women remains “shockingly widespread” across the continent.

ACDHRS reports that millions of women and girls still face physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and digital abuse, with survivors struggling to access justice and protection. Marginalised groups—including rural women, migrants, young girls, women with disabilities, and women human rights defenders—remain at highest risk.

The Centre is demanding stronger laws, better enforcement, more survivor services, and urgent action to dismantle harmful norms that continue to fuel violence.

“Ending violence against women is a moral and societal imperative,” the statement says, calling for solidarity and accountability as Africa enters the 16 Days of Activism.