The We Cannot Wait Consortium was effectively represented by the SIHA Network at the 3-day Regional Strategic Consultation on Family Law Reform in Africa organized by the Africa Family Law Network. The event took place at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala from March 25 to 27, 2024.
This significant gathering aimed to empower national organizations and advocates to strategize for short to medium-term family law reform across Africa and establish synergies to sustain an inclusive movement for collective action.
The consultation was attended by 33 representatives from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana, the Gambia, Cameroon, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Tailored sessions delved into country-specific contexts, encountered barriers, available opportunities, and ongoing family law reforms. Additionally, participants deliberated on leveraging regional and international instruments for national advocacy efforts.
The consultation revealed critical challenges, including inadequate implementation of legislation safeguarding women and girls’ rights, underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions, pending legislation, lack of political will, stakeholder opposition, limited access to information and legal services for marginalized groups, and discriminatory laws.
However, amidst these challenges, the consultation yielded resolutions aimed at fostering positive change. Participants committed to utilizing regional instruments for national advocacy, continuous community awareness campaigns on the importance of family law, exchanging insights and lessons learned from diverse jurisdictions, engaging with religious institutions to facilitate reform dialogues, and enhancing regional collaboration to amplify voices in pursuit of meaningful reforms.
The collaboration and strategic advocacy efforts fostered during the consultation aim to overcome obstacles and establish a fairer legal framework for families continent-wide.
