As we mark the 12th anniversary of the adoption of the , Sierra Leone gives us a reason to celebrate. Earlier this month, following years of prolonged advocacy from local and regional groups, it became the 37th African Union State

The abhorrent abduction and abuse of Nigerian girls by the Boko Haram terrorist group highlights the violence and other horrendous violations that girls face in Africa and around the world. As we mark the Day of the African Child on 16 June, Equality Now says that no efforts should be spared to ensure girls live secure and happy lives

Significant gains have been achieved, but the Protocol will only have real meaning when governments go further and show their commitment to the protection and advancement of African women’s rights by domesticating and fully implementing the instrument