THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS UNDER THE MAPUTO PROTOCOL

ABSTRACT

Women have been at the disadvantaged in terms of human rights in the world in general and Africa in particular. This discrimination stems from ownership of property and equality. The position of women within the continent of Africa took a positive with coming of the Maputo Protocol which focuses on them specifically.  However, women still have challenges in enjoying their right to reproduction even though it is clearly stated in the Protocol. This work examines critically the extent of protection guarantee by the Maputo Protocol on women’s reproductive rights. It adopts qualitative methodology and adopts doctrinal method which was use in analyzing both primary and secondary data. The work is significance as it been able to showcase challenges in protecting women’s right to reproduction. Findings reveal that the law is extensive but its applicability at the level of state parties is a challenge due to lack of commitment of these states. Its on this basis that this work recommends the commitment of states to their human rights obligations. The mechanisms remains commendable as women can now enjoy more protection than before, thanks to the Maputo Protocol