Cameroon-born academic Dr Olivette Otele became the first black woman professor of history in the UK, at Bath Spa University. She specialises in collective memory and geopolitics, particularly as related to the colonial histories of Britain and France.
Kylie Kiunguyu
Lifestyle Black Dandyism and Africa’s gender fluid fashion
The youth of Africa today are positioned in an intermingling of cultural identities and there is a need to find a contemporary style that merges those identities. Black dandyism has helped curate an aesthetic that is well groomed, refined yet inclusive of African sensibilities. Most of all, it has ushered in the age of African gender fluid fashion.
Politics and Society Uganda Opens Africa’s 5th largest bridge: “Source of the Nile Bridge”
Africa’s fifth-largest bridge has been opened in Jinja, the eastern region of Uganda, dubbed “Source of the Nile Bridge”. The cable-supported bridge is 525 metres long and is expected to “last for 120 years”, according to President Yoweri Museveni.
Politics and Society Sahle-Work Zewde is Ethiopia’s first female President
Sahle-Work Zewde, an experienced diplomat and special representative of the UN Secretary-General to the African Union has replaced outgoing President Mulatu Teshome, to become Ethiopia’s first woman President. A historic and liberal step for the strongly patriarchal society.
Politics and Society South Africa scraps Value-Added Tax on Sanitary pads
An ongoing debate to stop the imposition of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary products; as this classifies them as luxury and/or non-essential goods; has ended in a victory for women. The South African government has resolved to abolish the payment of 15% Value-Added Tax on sanitary pads to “restore the dignity of our people.”
Politics and Society University of Witwatersrand has discovered a Tswana lost city
Archaeologists from the University of Witwatersrand have used specialised laser technology to recreate a lost 15th century city to the south of Johannesburg that was likely inhabited by Tswana people.
Lifestyle Patriarchy-free sex toys: A step too far or just plain obvious?
Most women who opt for sex toys prefer vibrators above all the other options available to them for self-pleasure. Vibrators are used for clitoral stimulation yet – absurdly – they are designed to resemble phalluses.
Arts and Culture Serge Attukwei Clottey: The eccentric Ghanaian artist who pioneered “Afrogallonism
Performance artist Serge Attukwei Clottey is best known for his work with the yellow plastic jerrycans that are typically used to collect and carry water. He calls this technique “Afrogallonism”. His performance installations are intended to highlight Ghana’s soaring levels of pollution and to draw attention to social injustice.
Politics and Society Concern over rampant sexual exploitation of Senegal’s school girls
Dozens of Secondary school girls have admitted to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) that they were coerced into sexual relations by their teachers for better grades, food, mobile phones, and new clothes. School-related sexual, and gender-based violence is a serious problem in Senegal, HRW said in the report.