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.
Human rights
Politics and Society Why the Gambia’s plea for the Rohingya matters for international justice
The Rohingya case before the International Court of Justice is politically and legally significant.
Lifestyle ‘Sham marriages’: why Europe needs to get off its high horse
Immigration authorities cast doubt on the motives of marriages between African nationals and Europeans, violating these couples’ right to family life.
Lifestyle Rwanda scraps tax on sanitary pads as Tanzania reinstates it
Rwanda has followed in the footsteps of South Africa scrapping the 18% Value Added Tax on sanitary pads. African countries are taking the step in order to combat period poverty especially for young girls and vulnerable women.
Politics and Society Algeria to Hong Kong: protests, crackdowns and concessions
Citizens are using unorthodox ways to ensure their voices are being heard.
Politics and Society Magufuli is driving Tanzania further from human rights
The president is denying his people recourse to the African Court at a time they need it most.
Politics and Society U.S-Zambia diplomatic ties strained over Zambia’s 15-year jail sentence of gay couple
Zambia’ s High Court recently passed a decade and a half long jail term to two men for engaging in sexual relations “against the order of nature”. The move was highly criticised by the U.S Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote, who said he was ‘horrified’ by the ‘oppressive’ decision.
Politics and Society There are still huge gaps in Nigeria’s efforts to protect children
All 36 states in Nigeria must adopt the Child Rights Act to safeguard their children.
African identities What’s driving homophobia in Uganda
To address homophobia in Uganda, sexual rights must draw on the need for justice and social obligation.