Liberia: A Path to a Modern Education
Editors Note: Written by Former Liberia Education Minister George Werner, this article reflects on Partnership Schools for Liberia (now Liberian Education Advancement Programme) and the lessons that came from implementing one of Africa’s most innovative public sector transformations, largely enabled
The Stigmatisation of Rural Teen Mothers in Zimbabwe
Teen mothers in Seke Rural, a constituency of Zimbabwe, are speaking out about how society stigmatises and ostracizes them. The teen mothers spoke during a decision makers' dialogue held by Shamwari Yemwansikana (Exclusive Friend Of the Girl Child). They expressed
Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) in Africa: Exporting Production, Performance, and Perils
There is a popular saying in Africa that “manufacturing is only for the brave.” Recently, such sayings have been extended to those brave enough to invest in Africa and attempt to increase Africa’s share of global trade (3% currently). Lack
UNFPA: Supporting Vulnerable, Displaced Women, Girls, and Newborns Amidst Ongoing Conflict in Tripoli
"We are a rich country but we are poor people," said one of the internally-displaced women who found shelter in a school in Tripoli. "How can I give a future to my girls? I am spending all my money on surviving
The Fight for a Woman’s Right to Property After Divorce in Kenya
In the case of a divorce in Kenya today, a female spouse is not automatically entitled to half of the couple’s marital property. The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA Kenya) last year challenged the constitutionality of section 7
#IAmToufah Makes the Message Clear: We Will Not Wish the Rape Crisis Away
In dealing with past human rights abuses and upholding standards of respect for human rights, the Gambia’s transition from an abusive regime to a democracy must also entail justice for victims of gender-based violence. The most illustrative example of addressing
Pastoralist Child Foundation: Ending Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
After I finished college, I came back home to stay with my family. In our village, I saw the need to educate my community on child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and the importance of education, which is why I
Finding Our Future Leaders: An Interview with Maria Auma
Maria Auma is a successful and socially-conscious female entrepreneur. She is the founder of Blue Luxury Investments (BLI), an organization providing education and financial support to young people and budding businesses in their local communities. While the business initially started
Making Waste Useful: An Interview with LONO
LONO is an organization based in Ivory Coast providing sustainable and affordable products and services for recycling agricultural waste to generate profit for users. We have reached Louise Bijleveld, Co-founder of LONO to find out more about her company. Can you
Uabalika, a Movement to Empower all Women: Interview with Andra Massamba
Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. This goal remains as relevant and critical as when the UN first launched the SDGs in 2015. UNESCO reports that 31
Drop in the Bucket
A trip to Uganda generally begins and ends in Entebbe, where the banks of the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria, serve as a welcome mat. A visitor wouldn’t realize at first glance that this wet, lush, alive, and green
Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria: Combative Legislation and the Issue’s Impact on the Economic Growth of Women
One major factor for the sustained oppression of women and girls in Nigeria today is female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). Over the years, this issue has had a huge impact on the economic growth of women and girls. In