The Africa Leadership Foundation (ALF), a non-profit organization dedicated to leadership development, governance, gender equality, and economic empowerment in Africa, has urged national parliaments across the continent to initiate dialogues on reparative justice for women and girls.
The call follows a virtual dialogue organized in partnership with regional stakeholders to mark International Women’s Day 2025.
Founded in 1988, ALF’s mission is to drive transformational change by empowering and connecting the next generation of African leaders. This latest initiative seeks to tackle systemic inequalities stemming from slavery, colonialism, and entrenched patriarchy. These historical injustices continue to manifest in economic disparities, restricted access to leadership and resources, and widespread gender-based violence. The foundation envisions sustained policy reforms through multi-stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts.
Dr. Olumide Ajayi, ALF’s Executive Director/CEO, emphasized the significance of reparative justice beyond mere acknowledgment of past harm. He called for concrete legislative actions to redress economic and social imbalances.
“Our dialogue is a crucial step in shaping Africa’s future, as reparative justice goes beyond recognizing past atrocities to addressing their lingering consequences. Women and girls continue to face economic disadvantages, leadership barriers, and the scourge of gender-based violence,” Dr. Ajayi stated.
During the discussions, Ms. Victoria Maloka, Head of Coordination and Outreach Division at the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate, stressed the importance of legal measures. She highlighted the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG) as a critical tool for ensuring justice and accountability for survivors while criminalizing all forms of violence.
“For reparative justice to become reality, African nations must prioritize the ratification of the CEVAWG so that it comes into force,” Maloka asserted.
Professor Shose Kessi, Dean of Humanities at the University of Cape Town, underscored the heightened vulnerability of women and girls during conflicts and crises. She cited World Bank statistics indicating that 35% of women globally have experienced gender-based violence, with Africa facing significantly high but underreported rates.
“Women’s economic disempowerment further exacerbates their vulnerability, trapping them in informal, low-paying jobs and limiting their opportunities for independence,” Prof. Kessi noted.
Other key speakers, including Ms. Grace Kabayo, Secretary General of the Pan-African Women’s Association (PAWO), and Ms. Chimwemwe Fabiano, Women’s Political Leadership Lead at Akina Mama wa Afrika, emphasized the importance of structural reparations. They advocated for non-monetary forms of reparations, such as improved infrastructure and grant programs, to drive sustainable change.
The dialogue concluded with a unified call for African nations to ratify and implement the CEVAWG, emphasizing survivor-centered justice and dismantling patriarchal structures. Participants from 22 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, took part in the discussions, reinforcing the urgency of coordinated action.
