Role of international law in curtailing domestic and gender-based violence: comparative analysis of south Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda

Domestic and gender-based violence remain pervasive challenges across the African continent, undermining human rights and socio-economic development. This article explores the role of international law in addressing these issues through a comparative analysis of South Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda, three nations with distinct legal, cultural, and socio-political landscapes. The study examines how these tools have been adapted and applied to combat violence in domestic and gender contexts, drawing on key international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, among others. In South Africa, ongoing enforcement gaps are contrasted with advancing constitutional provisions and judicial activism. Tensions between international commitments and regional customs are evident in Nigeria's complex legal system, which encompasses statutory, religious, and customary laws. In the meantime, societal attitudes and rural implementation present challenges for Uganda's legal achievements, such as the Domestic Violence Act of 2010. Through a mixed-methods approach, including legal analysis, case studies, and statistical data, this article assesses the effectiveness of international law in shaping national policies, enhancing victim protection, and shifting cultural norms. By also critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of international legal mechanisms, this work aims to contribute to a much deeper and larger understanding of how international law can be leveraged to effectively curtail gender-based violence and promote gender equality.