Windhoek: Africa is making significant strides in its efforts to combat violence against women and girls while simultaneously advancing the development of stronger care systems. This dual approach acknowledges that gender equality cannot be achieved without addressing both safety and economic security.
According to African Press Organization, this momentum was evident during a recent high-level mission by UN Women to Namibia. Leaders gathered to bolster support for the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG) and to shape regional discussions on care-responsive policies. The mission underscored the link between efforts to end violence and investments in care systems, social protection, and women's economic empowerment.
Violence against women and girls remains a widespread human rights violation with severe social and economic consequences. Across Africa, there is a growing recognition of the need for stronger legal frameworks, prevention measures, and survivor-centered services. The African Union Convention represents a significant step forward in creating a continent-wide framework to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Namibia, during the mission to Windhoek, signaled its commitment to signing and ratifying the Convention, adding momentum to efforts to secure the 15 ratifications required for the treaty to enter into force.
"Ending violence against women and girls requires not only strong laws but also strong political leadership and collective action," said UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda. The Convention is expected to strengthen accountability, harmonize regional standards, and encourage countries to invest in prevention, protection, and survivor support services.
Alongside efforts to eliminate violence, African governments are increasingly focusing on the care economy, which encompasses both paid and unpaid care work such as childcare, elder care, healthcare, and domestic work. Women and girls often shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care responsibilities, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and economic participation. Investments in accessible, affordable, and quality care services can help alleviate these burdens while creating jobs and strengthening social protection systems.
This focus on the care economy was a central theme during the Sixth African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment. Ministers adopted a landmark decision calling for the integration of care systems into national social protection frameworks through dedicated strategies, sustainable financing, and gender-responsive budgeting.
According to UN Women East and Southern Africa Regional Director Anna Mutavati, the discussions highlighted the growing understanding that social and economic policies are deeply interconnected. "A key takeaway from the STC was the recognition that social policy is economic policy. When governments invest in care systems and gender-responsive social protection, they are investing in resilience, productivity, and inclusive growth," said Mutavati.
The high-level mission to Namibia also emphasized the importance of partnerships among UN Women, the African Union, and Member States in turning continental commitments into national action. Regional cooperation will remain crucial in sustaining momentum and sharing lessons across borders.
"Regional engagement creates opportunities to turn continental commitments into national action," said Doris Mpoumou, Representative of the UN Women African Union Liaison Office. As Africa advances efforts to end violence against women and girls while investing in care systems and gender-responsive social protection, the emerging message is clear: protecting women's rights and valuing care work are essential building blocks for inclusive development and economic transformation.