Nairobi, 22 November 2022 - The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), in partnership with Equality Now under the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme, held a three-day Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, from 9 to 11 November 2022, with over 25 regional civil society representatives from across the continent.

The regional training aimed to strengthen the capacity of regional partners to better advocate for and influence Member States on the ratification, domestication and implementation of international and regional human rights instruments related to ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG). The training also sought to foster cross-learning among regional partners about best practices and how to strategically influence Member States to ratify, domesticate, implement and report on EVAWG.

“CSOs are key players, strategically positioned as political bridging blocks between Member States and the community at the grassroots level, and between Member States and regional bodies, to better advocate and influence the ratification, domestication, enforcement and reporting on human rights.”

- Jimmy Tabu, Programme Specialist, UNDP RSCA

The Facilitator’s Training Manual, currently being rolled out, was developed and informed by the findings and recommendations from the Regional Evidence-Based Mapping and Assessment Report on the Status of Domestication and Enforcement of Laws and Policies as well as National Action Plans in line with Global and Regional Human Rights Commitments on EVAWG. In addition, a comprehensive capacity needs assessment report, a regional consultation peer review process, and a regional validation were all also employed to inform the Manual.

“It is one thing to have laws and policies, but it’s a totally different thing to have those laws and policies, and treaties implemented. As relevant critical actors in this fight against violence against women and girls, CSOs will be equipped through this training with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance your capacity so that you are able to work closely with governments and other actors to accelerate the ending of violence towards women and girls.”

- Esther Waweru, Senior Legal Advisor within Equality Now Africa/SOAWR

The Facilitators Training Manual is intended to serve as a resource guide and training tool for the AUC, RECs, the Pan African Parliament, the Network of African Parliamentarians, and CSOs in engaging and influencing Member States to ratify, domesticate and enforce international and regional human rights instruments.

While the Manual addresses legal topics, it also aims to provide non-lawyers with an understanding of the nature of international and regional human rights instruments and their ratification and domestication processes. For both lawyers and non-lawyers, the Manual is also helpful in gaining an overview of the treaty-making and domestication process and tools to ensure that domestic legal instruments are practical tools to be used in ending violence against women and girls.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

About Equality Now

Equality Now is an international human rights organization working to protect and promote the rights of women and girls in the areas of legal equality, harmful practices, sexual violence, and sexual exploitation.

About the Spotlight Initiative

The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations initiative supported by the European Union and other partners. Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.