Onuora-Oguno A.C, Dibugwu O2021-06-032021-06-032017Onuora-Oguno A.C., & Dibugwu O., (2017) Reinventing the Wheel and Salvaging the Girl Child: Can the Maputo Protocol Provide a Bulwark? Bayero Journal of International Law and Jurisprudence, 57-74. Department of Jurisprudence and International Law,https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/20.500.12484/5846Often times than not Violence against the Child (VAC) is often conceptualized in its physical form. However, this article argues that denial of access to quality education is a pathway that enshrines violence against the child. It projects that a reliance on the Maputo Protocol can provide a veritable bulwark. It is thus argued that Article 10 (3) of the Maputo Protocol that require States to ensure preference to social development in general as opposed to military spending will ensure that basic education provides the basis for the girl child empowerment. It is noted that if the aspirations of the Maputo Protocol would be realized, then access to quality basic education is a prerequisite. In addition to article 10, it is argued that Article 12 of the Maputo Protocol must be promoted beyond the present rhetoric of African States by ensuring that the needed funds are committed to the education of the girl child especially at the basic education level. The paper advances the need for Article 10 (3) to be implemented with Article 12 as a major focus. A proper adherence to Article 10 (3) will ensure the delivery of quality basic education by the proper allocation of needed resources to basic education. To achieve this, the life skill component of basic education must be well entrenched to empower the girl child; teacher welfare improved and provision of necessary sanitary situations that inhibit access to the basic education needs of the girl child eliminated. In addition, it is advanced that gender based perspective to basic education curriculum is important to eliminate issues of Violence against the child that is normally presented as discrimination, inequality and disrespect for women. The paper concludes by reiterating that States have an obligation to fulfill its protective mandates in ensuring that basic education meets its goals of ensuring respect of the individual and benefit of the society by allocating required funds to the basic education sector. The paper shall be divided into five parts. Part one deals with introduction; part two addresses the conceptual framework of basic education; part three examines the provision of articles 10(3) and 12 of the Maputo Protocol and its pivotal role to the realization of other rights set forth therein; Part four considers the effect a non-gender sensitive curriculum has on perpetrating violence against children and also the benefits of a deliberative approach by starting the discussion of gender empowerment early. Finally, part five shall deal with conclusions and recommendations on how a gender sensitive curriculum can be achieved.enGirl Child EducationInternational LawGenderViolenceArticle