Africa Archives – Page 3 of 8

African Women Snared by Two Legal Systems

By Nicole Itano ● Crime & Law ● October 2, 2009

Ten years after the U.N. called for the strengthening of women’s legal rights around the globe, African women’s rights are still often caught in the tangle between traditional and civil laws. The first of a seven-part series on the Beijing Platform.

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In Uganda, Rioters Strip Women Wearing Trousers

By Womens Enews Staff ● Uncategorized ● September 15, 2009

Rioters attacked and stripped about 20 Ugandan women who were wearing trousers last week during deadly riots in Kampala. The humiliations were part of a major confrontation between a traditional kingdom and President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

Uganda Embraces Low-Tech Test for Cervical Cancer

By Womens Enews Staff ● Uncategorized ● April 20, 2009

In Uganda, a fast, cheap diagnostic test based on vinegar is invigorating the battle against cervical cancer. Health activists are raising money to put it in a mobile clinic and health officials are eyeing a national rollout. First of two stories.

Courage Shines in Zimbabwe, Even as Hope Fades

By Name Withheld ● Uncategorized ● January 7, 2009

Since Zimbabwe’s disputed elections last year, many women have been bravely protesting their country’s political and economic free-fall. Now, one of them is awaiting trial and Mugabe preparing to govern alone. Hope is fading fast.

Rights Treaty in Uganda Snags on ‘African Values’

By Rachel Scheier ● Politics ● June 2, 2008

Uganda signed the Maputo Protocol–a key women’s rights treaty in Africa–in 2003. Since then the landmark treaty has run into religious arguments against Western influence and abortion. Fifth in a series on African women and the rule of law.

Namibia Hits Political Target; Mothers Need Help

By Jennifer Thurston ● Politics ● May 10, 2008

Zimbabwean Makes Case for U.S. Anti-Violence Aid

By Dominique Soguel ● Commentary ● May 9, 2008

The International Violence Against Women Act would require the U.S. to respond to a critical outbreak of gender violence within 180 days. Zimbabwean Betty Makoni explains why women in her country need the bill to be made into law.

Sudanese Bachelors Share Questions About FGM

By Meghan Sapp ● Arts & Culture ● March 11, 2008

On a recent trip to Khartoum, Meghan Sapp found herself in the middle of a frank discussion about female genital mutilation with a group of male bachelors. A couple of them knew little about the practice and were often afraid to ask.

Ghana’s Queen Moms Hold Court on Abortion

By Emily Bowers ● Politics ● March 9, 2008

Traditional female leaders in Ghana are beginning to open their communal gatherings to discussions of women’s legal rights to abortion. The country has one of the most liberal abortion laws in the continent, but women are dying in ignorance of it.

African Women Seek Peace; Army Moms Given Only 6 Weeks

By Soguel & Matthews ● Politics ● February 23, 2008