Underlying direct or personal violence is structural violence that is entrenched in unequal power relations in society.
Gender-based violence
Politics and Society Sierra Leone’s steps to end Female Genital Mutilation
United Nations Women reported that traditional cutters in Sierra Leone have pledged to abandon and advocate against FGM which is still not illegal in the country. This added support will contribute to the clampdown on initiation ceremonies by the secret societies that uphold the practice.
Politics and Society Nigeria launches sex offender register
Nigeria’s federal government launched its first national sexual offenders register, which is a database of persons convicted for sexual violence in the country since 2015. The register will be available online to assist the public, state bodies and police identify repeat offenders.
Politics and Society Baby factories are a new avenue for illegal adoption and human trafficking
Infant commodification and human trafficking are on the rise in many African countries. One avenue for human trafficking of this kind are ‘baby factories’ where women of childbearing-age are forced into pregnancy for purposes of selling their children. This type of internment subjects the mother and the child to unspeakable trauma, violence and abuse.
Politics and Society Femicide protests in Nigeria and South Africa demand private sector and government intervention
Women in South Africa and Nigeria have taken to the streets to speak out against continued male perpetrated violence that has caused the deaths of an alarming number of women in the past few years. The protests have been under the rallying hashtags #ProtectPHGirls in Nigeria and #IAmNext in South Africa.
Lifestyle CheufHer ride hailing service that connects female drivers to female passengers is coming to South Africa
The occurrences of sexual harassment against women on public transport, and ride hailing apps is of grave concern. A service called ChaufHer that is by women, for women hopes to provide a safer environment for women, and children as they go about their everyday lives.
Politics and Society ‘Something is deeply wrong with our society’
South Africa is a wounded nation, and its people carry with them deep pain and extreme anger, the University of Cape Town (UCT) chancellor, Mrs Graça Machel, told mourners during a campus memorial for UCT student Uyinene ‘Nene’ Mrwetyana.
Politics and Society #IamNext: The abhorrent reality of femicide in South Africa
The brutal murder of University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana in Cape Town, South Africa inside the Claremont Post Office has shocked and terrified women all around the continent. The ongoing prevalence of femicide speaks to the apathy of men and the inaction of state.
Lifestyle African women surfers on undertaking a male dominated sport and surfing
According to observers, black surfers are still not properly represented in various media and promotional events for the sport. It is likely because surfing is generally considered a “whites only” sport and the preserve of men; making it riddled with racial and gender biases against black women surfers.