Nigeria: African states urged to fast-track implementation of AU gender protocols

African countries, which have not ratified the various African Union protocols regarding gender and the rights of women, should urgently do so to preserve gender equality and equal access to education for women and girls. The Alliances for Africa, a Nigeria-based civil society organisation, said on Tuesday (08 March) that this year's 100th anniversary celebration of the International Women's Day, was also critical because it marked the start of the AU Decade of Women (2010-2020).