The Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) has called for urgent action to ratify and domesticate the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU‑CEVAWG), stressing its importance in protecting women and girls, especially those with disabilities.

Speaking at a workshop in Lilongwe on Wednesday, DIWA Program Manager Chilufya Siwale noted that since the convention’s launch in February 2025, only eight of Africa’s 54 countries have ratified it. Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe remain among those yet to do so.

“This is the only instrument that explicitly addresses the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, including cybercrimes,” Siwale said. “Ratification will strengthen legal, institutional, and accountability mechanisms across African Union member states.”

She explained that DIWA’s mandate is to sensitize member organizations in the four countries to advocate for ratification and domestication, equipping them with strategies to engage governments effectively.

From Malawi, Florence Singanyama Thaundi of Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities (HRWGDM) described the convention as a milestone for securing rights.

Her organization plans to mobilize stakeholders, develop advocacy tools, and push for government recognition of violence against women and girls with disabilities, she said.

“Ratification will mean the government acknowledges the problem and commits to protecting women and girls from violence. We will work tirelessly to make this convention instrumental,” she added.

DIWA, however, highlighted gaps in the document, including weak provisions for holding states accountable in delivering timely, survivor‑centered care.

The one‑day workshop brought together DIWA member organizations from Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to deepen understanding of the convention and chart advocacy strategies.