Violence against women (VAW) continues to be a serious problem in many African countries, although many of them have taken various measures to combat it. Human trafficking is also becoming a scourge on the continent.

At least 14 African countries are either in the process of completing or have completed law reform processes in the area of domestic violence.

Measures against VAW continue to be victim-focused, leaving offenders and perpetrators out of the process. Moreover, the needs of vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities are often overlooked in policy formulation.

Commitment to combat VAW needs to address a number of challenges such as multi sectoral coordination, comprehensive data collection and monitoring mechanisms, strengthened enforcement of laws, as well as the involvement of boys and men.