Public Service and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has welcomed celebrations to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Nairobi.
Hundreds of delegates from African Union member States and others from overseas are attending the two-day event to be held on Monday and Tuesday.
"I am elated that Kenya is hosting the event which is instrumental in evaluating the progress made towards women's rights protection while taking stock of the achievements made and also formulating strategies to address challenges that still hinder the rights and role of women in the African societies," Jumwa said.
She said since the establishment of the Maputo Protocol, it has been two decades of progressive realisation of women's rights.
Jumwa said although tremendous progress has been made in the realisation of the women rights, the journey is still far from over.
"On behalf of the government, I wish to welcome all delegates to this auspicious 20th anniversary celebrations of the Maputo Protocol. Let us accelerate the promise to women and girls in Africa," the CS said.
The Maputo Protocol refers to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women.
It was adopted by several African countries in the Mozambique capital, Maputo and came in force two years later.
To date, almost 50 countries in Africa have signed the Protocol while at least 40 of them, including Kenya, have ratified it.
The Protocol is the most important international treaty that addresses virtually all critical aspects that impact the welfare of women in Africa.
These include equality and non-discrimination, protection against violence, rights pertaining to marriage, health and reproductive rights, economic, social and cultural rights among others.
The Protocol obligates member-states not only to sign it, but to also domesticate and implement required legislations to actualise the rights and protection of women.
Further, they are obligated to file national reports after every two years to show progress made after effecting the Protocol.
