phenomenon is deeply- rooted in the society. 298. For now, the Government of Mali, rather than adopting a law prohibiting the practice of female circumcision, is prioritising sensitisation and education of the population. For this reason, it has established Ordinance No. 02-053/P-RM of 4 June 2002, the National Programme on the Fight against the Practice of Female Circumcision, the purpose of which is to ensure coordination, monitoring, evaluation of the policy and strategies in the fight against female circumcision. Moreover, a national policy and its action plans to fight against female circumcision are in the process of being implemented. 299. It is an undeniable fact that many efforts have been made by the authorities to address the shortcomings in the area of legal protection of women. In spite of these efforts, some practices relating to tradition and the implementation of customary law such as the levirate and sororate and many other practices that are inimical to the dignity and health of women still persist. 300. Furthermore, it is expected that the 1992 Constitution, which is being reviewed, will help to better address some gender-related concerns, particularly on the issue of women’s participation in public and political life. Indeed, Article 2, proposed paragraph 2, provides that “However, access by women to electoral mandates and elective functions can be promoted by specific measures set out by law and regulatory texts” The issues of “parity” and “quota” in the system of representation of women in public and political life should be solved by implementing this constitutional provision. 301. All these stipulations concerning the promotion and protection of the rights of women in Mali are of course answers to the implementation of the African Charter and also, and more specifically, of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol). 302. Indeed, it must be recalled that this Protocol is complementary to the African Charter for the promotion of the fundamental rights of women in Africa and ensures the protection of these rights. It was ratified by Mali by Decree No. 04-479/P-RM of 26 October 2004. 303. This Protocol was adopted on 11 July 2003, at the second African Union Summit held in Maputo, Mozambique, and it enjoins African Governments to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in Africa and to implement a policy of equality between men and women. 304. In the face of the finding of limitations in the implementation of the provisions of the Africa Charter, the CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, etc., the Government of Mali adopted a national gender policy of Mali and its 2011-2013 action plan on 24 November 2010. 62