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This paper presents an overview of key issues in the literature on gender justice in the sub-Saharan Africa region. Issues discussed include the exclusion of women from full citizenship status; gender inequalities in property relations, family relations and access to justice; and disregard for women's and men's sexual and reproductive health and rights. The paper goes on to reflect on the links between research and advocacy on women's rights in the region, noting the decline over the past decade in academic research capacity in African universities, including in gender and women's studies departments. The need for better dissemination and visibility of literature generated by research and advocacy in the region is also seen as a problem. Initiatives by key donors in sub-Saharan Africa to address gender injustices are outlined, including initiatives by the African Development Bank, the United Nations Fund for Women and the Ford Foundation. Lastly, a region-wide assessment of the key achievements in, and challenges to, achieving and institutionalising gender justice is provided - particularly highlighting the passage of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa as a major achievement.
