The effect of the Pandemic in increasing child soldiers
The United Nations has raised concerns of the dangers of COVID 19 in increasing the use of child soldiers on the African Continent. This concern was raised by the United Nations during the commemoration of Red Hand Day a day set aside against the use of child soldiers. The United Nations stated this concern amid growing poverty due to the pandemic and its adverse effect on conflict zones.
Further details: https://allafrica.com/stories/202102120799.html
The Laws of the Land and its effects on Women
Though Nigeria is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1985 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls remain poor. A study conducted by AllAfrica in Nigeria has shown that, customary and religious laws play a critical role in upholding practices that foster discrimination against women.
Further details: https://allafrica.com/stories/202102120158.html
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for Financial Inclusion of Women
South African President has called on all State Parties to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to ensure that the trade pact deliver sustainable and meaningful development the financial inclusion opportunities. Mr Ramaphosa enjoined countries to take advantage of the opportunity of new trade agreements to open new chapters for empowerment of women. The president further urged state parties to the agreement to report annually on the progress made so far in strengthening women’s participation in continental trade.
Further details: https://southerntimesafrica.com/site/news/lets-do-it-for-our-women
Nigeria inheritance: ‘My brothers took everything when my father died’
In some parts of Africa, inheritance laws remain unfavourable to women with women excluded from inheriting. In parts of south-eastern Nigeria, women are still cut out of their inheritance despite a Supreme Court ruling invalidating this position. The exclusion of women from these inheritance practices continue to reduce economic empowerment for women and often leave women dependent on their male family members.
Further Details: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55675987
