The African Union has selected the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Leadership Foundation, Dr Olumide Ajayi, to serve on its Reference Group.
In a statement, the group, which comprises leading legal and gender experts from African Union member states, has been tasked to draft and negotiate a Convention for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls among member states.
“This position was advanced at the 37th summit of the African Union held earlier in the year in line with Goal 17 of Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063. The group is expected to provide advisory and technical guidance and support in drafting the convention,” the statement said.
It noted that the group would also provide expertise on the text of the draft convention, including addressing contestations, finding consensus, and ensuring compliance/alignment with the AU agreement language on issues under discussion.
It explained that the objective was to address the high preponderance of gender-based violence perpetrated majorly against women on the continent.
“The group is expected to function until the adoption of the Convention by the Assembly of Heads of States,” it added.
According to AU, the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence in conflict situations and harmful practices will help to bridge the inequality gap between men and women.
It noted that it was the first of its kind in the global setting and the United Nations was very keen on supporting its emergence.
Ajayi is a prominent advocate and expert in gender equality and women empowerment.
He has advised multiple African countries, UN Agencies, and inter-governmental Organisations, focusing on designing performance frameworks for key women’s rights instruments in Africa, such as the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality and the Maputo Protocol.
