This report has been produced by Equality Now in collaboration with our partners as part of our mandate as a legal advocacy organization that works to end sexual violence, including rape. It aims to enhance the understanding of laws on rape and law enforcement practices in Africa by revealing the adequacy or gaps thereof in line with regional and international human rights standards. The report also serves as a guide for countries that are yet to align their rape legislation to international and regional human rights standards.

The research upon which this report is based involved: 1) a desk review of the rape law in each country, including whether it complies with international and regional standards; and 2) a deep dive into nine countries, with a view to understanding better how laws are implemented in practice.