Dorothy Drabuga, a human rights defender and the Executive Director of the Women Foundation for Humanity Organization, is calling on the government to fully implement the Maputo Protocol to safeguard the rights of women and girls in South Sudan.

The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare launched the protocol in Juba on Tuesday, commencing public consultations for its execution.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday in Juba, Drabuga expressed her approval of the protocol’s signing and launching. However, she emphasized that the most crucial aspect is the government’s commitment to its implementation.

“South Sudanese women are delighted because this is an African protocol designed for African women. Signing it into law is one thing, but what really matters is the implementation. We hope the government ensures that the Maputo Protocol is put into action, particularly its provisions that guarantee the respect and enforcement of women’s rights," Drabuga asserted.

The Maputo Protocol provides essential rights for African women, including reproductive health rights, political participation, economic empowerment, and the eradication of violence against women, among others. It calls on state parties to protect women from violence and prohibits any acts that exploit or degrade them. The protocol guarantees the rights to life, integrity, and security for girls and women while prohibiting all forms of exploitation and inhumane treatment.

Drabuga acknowledged that the struggle for the signing of the Maputo Protocol has been a lengthy one. She highlighted the efforts of the current speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Jemma Nunu Kumba, who played a significant role in pushing for its enactment.

“I am confident that with the current speaker in office, she will exert sufficient effort towards the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol,” Drabuga said.

She further asserted that the Ministry of Gender and civil society organizations will soon collaborate to develop a national action plan for the Maputo Protocol.

Drabuga reiterated their commitment to monitoring the process of the protocol’s implementation. The effective execution of the Maputo Protocol will serve as a milestone for promoting women’s rights and gender equality in South Sudan.