Across Africa, millions of women and girls continue to face Gender-Based Violence (GBV), domestic abuse, sexual violence, harassment, and femicide.
While many survivors remain silent due to fear, stigma, or lack of support, understanding legal rights and available protections is an important step toward safety, justice, and accountability.
As part of the African Women Network GBV and Femicide Awareness Campaign, Day 4 focuses on empowering women and girls through awareness of their legal rights and protections against violence.
Women Have the Right to Live Free From Violence
Every woman and girl deserves:
Safety and dignity
Equal protection under the law
Freedom from abuse and discrimination
Access to justice and support services
Protection from harmful practices and violence
Violence against women is not a private matter — it is a human rights issue and a serious societal concern.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Gender-Based Violence includes harmful acts directed at individuals because of their gender.
GBV can take many forms, including:
Domestic violence
Sexual violence
Emotional and psychological abuse
Economic abuse
Online harassment
Forced marriage
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Stalking and intimidation
Many women experience violence from intimate partners, family members, employers, or individuals within their communities.
Laws Protecting Women Against Violence in Africa
Many African countries have laws designed to protect women and girls from violence and abuse.
Kenya
Key legal protections include:
The Constitution of Kenya (2010)
The Sexual Offences Act
The Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015)
The Victim Protection Act
The Children Act
Uganda
Uganda’s Domestic Violence Act provides legal protection against abuse within households and intimate relationships.
South Africa
South Africa’s Domestic Violence Act and related legislation aim to strengthen protection and support for survivors.
Nigeria
The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act addresses various forms of violence against women and girls.
Rights of Survivors of GBV
Survivors of violence have the right to:
Report abuse safely
Seek medical attention
Access counselling and mental health support
Obtain legal assistance
Receive protection from further harm
Be treated with dignity and confidentiality
Women should never be blamed for the violence committed against them.
Why Many Survivors Do Not Seek Help
Despite existing laws, many survivors face barriers such as:
Fear of stigma or judgment
Economic dependency
Fear of retaliation
Distrust in institutions
Lack of awareness about legal rights
Limited access to support services
Creating safe and supportive environments is essential in encouraging survivors to seek help without fear.
The Importance of Community Support and Accountability
Ending GBV and femicide requires collective action from:
Governments
Communities
Families
Religious institutions
Schools
Workplaces
Men and boys
Communities must stop normalising violence and instead support survivors, challenge harmful gender norms, and promote accountability.
African Women Network Message
At African Women Network, we believe knowledge is power.
Women and girls deserve to know:
Their rights
The laws protecting them
Where to seek help
How to access support services safely
Empowering women with information can help prevent violence, encourage reporting, and strengthen survivor protection.
Ending Gender-Based Violence and femicide requires stronger laws, effective implementation, survivor-centred support systems, and increased public awareness.
Women deserve safety, justice, dignity, and protection in every community across Africa.
Knowing your rights is an important step toward breaking cycles of violence and creating safer societies for women and girls.
Call to Action
💬 Learn your rights
💬 Support survivors
💬 Speak against violence
💬 Share GBV resources and support information
💬 Help create safer communities for women and girls
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