Africa has seen significant progress in women's political leadership, with several countries breaking ground by electing women to the highest office of president. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the historical challenges of gender inequality and patriarchal political systems across the continent. In this blog, we will be discussing some examples of female presidents that have been rewriting the political narrative of Africa. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history as Africa's first elected female head of state when she became president of Liberia in 2006. Her presidency was ground- breaking, serving from 2006 to 2018 and helping to rebuild Liberia after years of civil conflict. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her efforts in promoting peace, democracy, and women's rights. Sahle-Work Zewde - Ethiopian Diplomat In 2018, Sahle-Work Zewde became the president of Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone for women's political representation in the country. While her role is largely ceremonial, her appointment sent a powerful message about women's leadership in African politics. Samia Suluhu Hassan - President of Tanzania Following the unexpected death of President John Magufuli in 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania's first female president. Her ascension to power demonstrated the potential for women to step into leadership roles during critical political transitions. The journey towards true gender equality demands a multifaceted and sustained approach. Progress requires continuous political and social reforms that challenge existing power structures and cultural norms. Breaking down deeply ingrained barriers necessitates a comprehensive strategy that provides robust support for women's leadership at all levels of society. This involves challenging systemic discrimination through targeted interventions, legal reforms, and conscious efforts to change societal attitudes. Crucially, investing in women's education and economic opportunities is fundamental to empowering future generations of female leaders. By creating supportive ecosystems that nurture women's potential, African nations can unlock the full potential of their female populations, driving social progress, economic development, and political innovation. The rise of women presidents in Africa represents more than individual achievements. It symbolizes a broader movement towards gender equality, challenging long-standing patriarchal structures and demonstrating the critical role of women in political leadership and national development. Progress is being felt, the path towards gender equality is clear with each woman president and political leader paving the way for future generations. It is time to take up space and challenge gender inequality.

At Equal Ground, we are prepared to support any efforts and campaigns from other individuals and organisations promoting women's rights, both in the UK and globally. StandForCongoUK has organised a protest in London to advocate for women's rights and draw attention to the persistent injustices faced by women in eastern DR Congo. Women in this region continue to endure widespread sexual violence, migration due to conflict surrounding neighbouring countries, lack of access to education and healthcare, and systemic gender-based discrimination. These issues reveal the urgent need for collective action and sustained advocacy. We encourage everyone to get involved in this demonstration to support women's rights and bring attention to the ongoing injustices faced by these women. Event Details Date: Saturday 5th April 2025 Time: from 11:30am Location: Meet up at Marble Arch station (London) Why Your Support Matters In the eastern region of DR Congo, women persistently encounter significant dangers and challenges, such as: Sexual violence and assault from M23 rebels (Rwanda) Limited access to education and healthcare Discrimination from neighbouring countries and economic disparity How You Can Help Participate in the protest and make your voice stand out. Do some research and spread the word on social media. Donate to organisations like StandForCongoUK and more, supporting women's rights in the region. By taking part, you will help elevate the voices of those in distress and aid the pursuit of justice, not just in Eastern Congo but for women globally. United, we can create change and show support for women fighting for their rights. Your voice matters! Keep Updated Stay informed by following their updates on their page and supporting them on Instagram: @Standforcongouk. Join us on Instagram and Facebook for more initiatives and opportunities to raise your voice for women this month. If you have other projects tackling various issues, please share them in the comments below and help spread awareness. Together, let's support women's rights and make sure our voices are heard!

Welcome to our campaign! We're excited to have you on this journey to create positive change in our community. Your support is vital, and together, we can make a difference! Check out our campaign video on our Home Page. The fight for gender equality in the workplace is far from over. Women continue to break barriers, challenge outdated norms, and redefine industries, but the journey is not without its struggles. This Women’s Month, Equal Ground is proud to launch "Beyond Barriers, Toward Equality", a campaign dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of women in the workforce while shining a light on the inequalities that persist. Why This Campaign Matters Women across industries, from construction sites to boardrooms, have worked tirelessly to earn their place, yet the gender pay gap, lack of representation in leadership, and workplace bias remain significant obstacles. Through this campaign, we want to: Highlight the achievements of women in different fields and careers Build on conversations about workplace equality and inclusion Encourage action towards creating fairer opportunities for all genders How You Can Get Involved This isn’t just a campaign - for us, it’s a movement. We want to hear from you! 📢 Join the conversation in the comments by sharing your experiences, thoughts, or shout out an inspiring woman in your field. Engage with our posts via Facebook and Instagram, and spread awareness using our hashtags. Stay tuned for powerful stories, news updates, and more throughout this period! #BeyondBarriers #TowardEquality🚀 Together, we can challenge biases, push for change, and ensure that every woman, regardless of what industry they are in, has an equal ground to thrive. Let’s make this women’s month count! What does workplace equality mean to you? Do you know any women in different fields who have achieved significant milestones this month? Have you done something you're proud of? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️

The technology sector has long been dominated by men, but the tide is shifting as more women are breaking barriers and making more significant contributions. In spite of these developments, their achievements in tech often remain underrepresented. At Equal Ground , we are committed to emphasising these accomplishments and supporting projects that empower women in technology. The Current Landscape According to the latest data, women comprise approximately 35% of the tech workforce, which is a significant increase from the early 2000s when the figure was around 9% (Radulovski, 2020). However, women hold only about 10% of leadership roles in the industry, and they face a 2.8% gender pay gap (MBE, 2023) . These statistics highlight the continuous necessity for programs that encourage gender equality in tech. Pioneering Women Empowering the Next Generation There are several women in tech who are actively working to enable young women to enter and succeed in the industry: Aisha Bowe : She is a former aerospace engineer at NASA, and is now the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, a technology company that creates smart systems and software solutions. She is also the founder of LINGO, a self-paced coding kit designed to encourage younger people to pursue careers in STEM. Aisha is set to become the 6th ever Black woman to travel to space, demonstrating her commitment to pushing boundaries and inspiring other women and young girls (Posadas, 2024). Photograph of Aisha Bowe (Waterhouse, 2022) Lisa Su : She is the President and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and has turned the company into a key figure in the tech industry. Under her leadership, AMD has focused on high-performance computing and graphics technologies, achieving major progress in artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced fields. Lisa's strategic vision and leadership have not only rejuvenated AMD but have also paved the way for more women to take on leadership roles in tech (Javed, 2024). Photograph of Lisa Su (Denzer, 2023) The Impact of Women in Tech Over the Last Decade The 2010s witnessed significant contributions from women that have shaped the tech industry: Progress on Artificial Intelligence : Women have been instrumental in the development and ethical considerations of AI, making sure that these technologies are designed and implemented responsibly (Goldstein, 2017). Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion : Women-led initiatives have brought diversity and inclusion to the forefront, creating spaces where diverse views fuel innovation (Panel, 2025). Educational Outreach : Programs targeting young girls have increased interest and participation in STEM fields, contributing to a more balanced workforce (TechWoman, 2025). Challenges in Visibility Despite their achievements, women in tech often receive less recognition than their male counterparts. This difference reveals the importance of platforms like ours that showcase women's contributions and encourage equal representat ion, emphasis on the word equal . Spaces like these help women to share their stories, inspire future generations, and challenge traditional narratives. We also promote networking, mentorship, and collaboration for professional growth while still continuing to raise awareness of the challenges women face. Our Commitment At Equal Ground , we are dedicated to supporting projects and ideas that provide women with equal opportunities in tech. We welcome collaborations with companies and individuals who share our vision of a diverse and inclusive tech community. By acknowledging the pivotal roles women play in technology and actively promoting them, we can work towards a future where the tech industry reflects the diversity of its users and benefits from the talents of all individuals. Are you a woman with a passion for tech and big ideas?  Whether you're just starting out or already making moves, we’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation, share your story, and help shape a more inclusive future in tech. Reach out to us and be part of the change today! #WomenInTech #EqualGround Links to statistics and facts: Denzer, T. (2023). AMD CEO Lisa Su says AI engagements jumped more than 800% in Q2 2023 . [online] Shacknews. Available at: https://www.shacknews.com/article/136489/amd-ceo-lisa-su-ai-engagements [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025]. Goldstein, P. (2017). The New Mothers of Technology: 6 Women Who Have Led in Tech Since 2010 . [online] Technology Solutions That Drive Business. Available at: https://biztechmagazine.com/article/2017/05/new-mothers-technology-6-women-who-have-led-tech-2010 ? [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025]. Javed, A. (2024). Lisa Su on AMD’s Strategy for Growth and the Future of AI . [online] TIME. Available at: https://time.com/7026241/lisa-su-amd-ceo-interview/ . MBE, M.B. (2023). Tech For Good - Women in Tech: Mission Critical . [online] Tech For Good. Available at: https://www.techforgood.net/articles/women-in-tech-mission-critical [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025]. Panel, E. (2025). 20 Women Tech Leaders On The Principles That Guide Their Leadership . [online] Forbes.com . Available at: https://www.forbes.com/consent/ketch/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/09/28/20-women-tech-leaders-on-the-principles-that-guide-their-leadership/ [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025]. Posadas, C. (2024). Anita Borg Institute . [online] AnitaB.org . Available at: https://anitab.org/blog/discussion/celebrating-black-women-leaders-in-tech/ [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025]. Radulovski, A. (2020). Women in Tech Stats 2025 . [online] Women in Tech Network. Available at: https://www.womentech.net/women-in-tech-stats?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkN--BhDkARIsAD_mnIq6NnYK8nVcooqaQhzGvmJ7ArI14DfIMdkLOx7yVch8JCrD7sdFgkEaAmRKEALw_wcB [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025]. TechWoman (2025). TechWomen . [online] TechWomen. Available at: https://www.techwomen.org/ . Waterhouse, S. (2022). Aisha Bowe goes to space - Michigan Aerospace Engineering . [online] Michigan Aerospace Engineering. Available at: https://aero.engin.umich.edu/2022/11/04/aisha-bowe-goes-to-space/ [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025].

Gender inequality in the political scene Over the years gender equality has been a major topic in the political scene with women being underrepresented in their political parties. Women leadership and participation has been restricted due to societal norms, culture, discrimination and stereotyping Gender equality in politics is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Despite the progress that has been taken by countries to achieve the 5th SDG on Gender equality, that saw the significant increase of women in parliament around the world, women remain vastly underrepresented in the political space. Equal representation of women will be a step towards gender equality and progress in the society.             'If you empower a woman, you empower a community' African proverb. To achieve gender equality in Africa, governments in Africa have introduced gender sensitive policies for promoting sustainable development. The most significant one is the introduction of the quota system to increase representation of women. The system has been implemented in 132 countries. Its focus is: Reserve seats for certain gender, an example of this is Kenya that introduced the 2/3 gender rule. Party quotas, here a party voluntarily sets a side certain sits for women and Legislation quotas are where a proportion of the assembly is allocated by constitution amendments. Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa offer compelling case studies of progress and gender equality. Rwanda’s progress  Rwanda stands as a global leader in women’s political representation. According to 2021 edition of Inter-parliamentary Union's ''Women in parliament report''. Rwanda has the highest representation of women in the world at 61%. This has continued to increase over the years with 2008 Rwanda parliament becoming the first parliament with majority women seats at 63.8%. The drastic changes have been credited to the quota system strategies adopted in 1999. the Rwandan constitution requires at least 30% of positions with decision making authority be held by women. Establishment of four essential institutions such as MIGEPROF, GMO (Gender monitoring office), NWC (National women council), and FFRP (Rwanda women parliamentary Forum) has also played a role in the increase of women Rwanda’s political space.           ''Increased participation of women in politics is, therefore, necessary for improved          social, economic and political conditions of their families and the entire county'' (Paul Kagame, 2003) Despite the strides taken by Rwanda it remains a strongly patriarchal society with gender roles remaining deeply entrenched and women continue to face economic barriers.   KENYA Kenya has made notable strides on gender equality with the adoption of the 2010 constitution. One of the greatest aspects was the recognition of gender equality and the achievement of gender parity in government, enshrined in the principle of stating that not more than two- thirds of the members of an elective body shall be of the same gender. The 2013 constitution saw arise in the number of women joining elective politics. Women now hold 23% of position short of the expected 30% set by the constitution. The quota system put in place in Kenya has done a great job of increasing the number of women in the legislature. However, more emphasis should be put on how to apply gender quota system. The county has also made progress in girls’ education with near gender parity in primary school enrolment. Education is seen as a key player in fighting gender inequality.   SOUTH AFRICA South Africa boosts of one of Africa’s most progressive constitutions on matters gender equality. The country has gender responsive budgeting initiatives that ensure resources are allocated to address women’s needs and a commission to monitor progress and implementation. The judiciary and corporate leadership have improved in bridging the gender gap. Despite the progress made, implementation challenges remain with high rates of gender-based violence indicating a disconnect between progressive laws and societal attitudes. Across Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa several success factors have emerged in the pursuit of gender equality. Constitutions and legal reforms establishing gender equality principles have provided essential frameworks for progress, while targeted economic empowerment programs have helped women gain financial independence and contribute more significantly to their economies. Increased access to education for girls has also proven transformative, creating pathways to leadership and economic advancement. Despite the progress made there are still challenges like cultural and traditional attitudes derailing progressive laws especially in the rural areas, gender-based violence faced by women in politics this highlights the gap between legislative progress and social reality and urban- rural divides in implementation with rural areas benefiting less on gender equality initiatives. Africa’s progress towards gender equality requires sustainable commitment from all stakeholders. Governments must match progressive legislation with robust implementation mechanisms. Civil society needs to continue advocacy efforts while working directly with communities to shift traditional attitudes. International partners should focus on supporting African-led-initiatives rather than imposing external solutions. The three case studies show that significant progress is possible with political will and sustainable action. Through this Africa can continue its journey towards full gender equality, creating societies where women and men have equal opportunities to contribute and thrive. Join the conversation.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue affecting individuals across all societies, yet a significant number of cases remain unreported. Despite global efforts to combat violence and support survivors, social, cultural, and systemic barriers prevent victims from coming forward. Understanding these barriers is crucial in breaking the silence and ensuring justice and support for survivors. The Staggering Reality of Underreporting According to the United Nations, less than 40% of women who experience violence seek help, and only a fraction of them report their cases to authorities. The reasons behind this silence are deeply rooted in societal norms, institutional failures, and personal fears. Key Reasons Why GBV Goes Unreported 1. Fear of Retaliation and Stigma Victims often fear retribution from their abusers, who may be partners, family members, or influential figures in society. In many cultures, survivors face victim-blaming attitudes, leading to social isolation, loss of reputation, or even further violence. 2. Lack of Trust in Law Enforcement Many survivors hesitate to report GBV due to distrust in the legal system. Concerns over insensitive treatment by police, lengthy legal proceedings, and a lack of accountability discourage victims from seeking justice. 3. Economic Dependence on the Abuser For many survivors, financial reliance on their abuser prevents them from reporting the violence. The fear of homelessness, job loss, or financial insecurity forces them to endure abusive situations silently. 4. Cultural and Religious Barriers In some societies, gender roles and traditional beliefs normalise violence against women and discourage victims from speaking out. Many survivors are pressured to maintain family honor or preserve marriage at the cost of their safety and well-being. 5. Limited Access to Support Services Survivors often lack knowledge about available resources or face logistical challenges in accessing shelters, legal aid, or mental health services. In rural or underprivileged areas, the absence of such services makes reporting even more difficult.   Breaking the Silence: Steps Toward Change 1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks Governments must enforce stricter laws against GBV, ensure fast-tracked legal procedures, and hold perpetrators accountable to build survivors' confidence in the justice system. 2. Raising Awareness and Education Public awareness campaigns can challenge harmful gender norms and encourage communities to support survivors rather than silence them. 3. Improving Victim Support Services Expanding shelters, hotlines, counselling, and financial assistance programs can empower survivors to break free from abusive situations. 4. Encouraging Safe Reporting Mechanisms Anonymous reporting systems and trauma-informed approaches in law enforcement can provide survivors with safer avenues to seek justice without fear of retaliation. 5. Engaging Men and Boys in Advocacy Promoting gender equality and educating men and boys on the impact of GBV is essential in preventing violence and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. Breaking the silence on gender-based violence requires collective action. By addressing the barriers that prevent survivors from reporting abuse, we can create a safer, more just society where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek justice. Join the Conversation! If you or someone you know is experiencing GBV, reach out for support. Let’s work together to end violence, challenge stigma, and ensure that every survivor has a voice.

Gender discrimination in the workplace remains a persistent challenge worldwide. Despite significant progress in gender equality, many women continue to face barriers such as unequal pay, limited career advancement opportunities, and biases in hiring and leadership. However, countless women have defied these odds, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. In this blog, we highlight inspiring stories of women who have overcome gender discrimination and explore ways to foster a more inclusive workplace. The Reality of Gender Discrimination at Work According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report , it will take over 130 years  to close the global gender gap at the current rate of progress. Workplace discrimination manifests in various forms, including: Unequal Pay : Women still earn, on average, 20% less than men  for the same work globally. Glass Ceiling Effect : Many women struggle to reach top executive roles despite having the required skills and experience. Bias in Hiring and Promotions : Gender stereotypes often lead to women being overlooked for leadership roles. Harassment and Workplace Inequality : Many women face workplace harassment, making it difficult to thrive in professional settings. Despite these challenges, countless women have made remarkable strides in their careers. Let’s look at some inspiring examples. Inspiring Women Who Overcame Workplace Discrimination 1. Mary Barra – CEO of General Motors Mary Barra shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female CEO of a major global automaker, General Motors (GM), in 2014. She worked her way up from an entry-level position at GM and defied gender biases in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Under her leadership, GM has become a leader in electric vehicles and sustainability. 2. Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi became the first woman of colour and immigrant to lead PepsiCo as CEO. Despite facing discrimination for both her gender and background, she redefined leadership and spearheaded company growth with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. 3. Ursula Burns – First Black Female CEO of a Fortune 500 Company Ursula Burns made history by becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company when she took the wheel of Xerox in 2009. She overcame racial and gender biases to transform the company, proving that leadership is about capability, not about gender. Ways to Overcome Gender Discrimination in the Workplace 1. Know Your Worth and Advocate for Yourself Women should research salary benchmarks and confidently negotiate salaries to bridge the gender pay gap. Speaking up about achievements and contributions can also help gain recognition. 2. Seek Mentorship and Support Networks Finding mentors, both male and female, can help navigate workplace challenges and provide career advancement opportunities. Networking with other professionals also creates opportunities for career growth. 3. Challenge Gender Bias and Call Out Discrimination It’s essential to speak up against workplace biases and promote gender-inclusive policies. Employers must be held accountable for fostering diversity and inclusion. 4. Encourage Organisations to Implement Inclusive Policies Businesses must introduce gender-equal hiring, promotion, and leadership development programs to create a more balanced workplace. While gender discrimination in the workplace is still prevalent, women across industries have shattered barriers, proving that resilience and determination can break stereotypes. By advocating for equal opportunities, raising awareness, and supporting inclusive workplace policies, we can help build a future where gender equality is a reality for all. Join the Conversation! What are your thoughts on gender equality in the workplace? Have you or someone you know faced workplace discrimination? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations across Africa. From domestic violence to harmful traditional practices, sexual exploitation to economic marginalisation, the challenges are complex and deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors and religion. However, there has been the grassroots movements, policy reforms, and international partnerships that are creating pathways to change across the continent. This blog examines the current landscape of violence and exploitation facing women and girls in Africa, with a specific focus on Nigeria and North Africa, highlighting both challenges and promising interventions.   Violence against women and girls in Africa manifests in multiple forms from, Physical and sexual violence, intimate partner violence, rape, and assault, harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), child marriage, and widow inheritance. Economic exploitation including labour trafficking, domestic servitude, and denial of property rights to psychological abuse like coercive control and emotional manipulation.   According to the World Health Organisation approximately 37% of women in Africa have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The UN Women's studies indicate that in some countries, these rates rise to over 50%. These statistics represent only reported cases with many incidents going unreported due to stigma, fear of reprisal, and limited access to justice systems.   NIGERIA Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous nation presents a complex landscape for women's rights. Despite economic growth and democratisation, Nigerian women continue to face significant challenges. According to Nigeria's Demographic and Health Survey, approximately 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since age 15, and 9% experienced sexual violence. In conflict-affected northeastern regions, these numbers are significantly higher.   Boko Haram and Gender-Based Violence   Since 2009, the insurgency by Boko Haram has devastated communities in northeastern Nigeria. The group has systematically targeted women and girls with the 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok drawing international attention. Beyond high-profile kidnappings, thousands of women and girls have experienced sexual violence, forced marriage, and exploitation at the hands of both insurgents and in some cases security forces.   Human Trafficking Nigeria remains a source transit and destination country for human trafficking. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reports that women and girls make up approximately 80% of trafficking victims from Nigeria primarily for sexual exploitation in Europe and forced labour within West Africa.   Harmful Traditional Practices Child marriage rates remain high particularly in northern Nigeria where 48% of girls are married before 18. While the national prevalence of FGM/C has declined to about 20% it remains nearly universal in some communities.   Despite these challenges, Nigeria has seen significant progress through various initiatives like, Nigeria's Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 represents a comprehensive framework addressing multiple forms of gender-based violence. As of 2023, 34 of Nigeria's 36 states have domesticated this legislation, though implementation remains uneven, Organizations like the Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) have established networks of support services, including shelters, legal aid, and psychosocial counselling for survivors of gender-based violence. The Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) model has expanded to multiple states, providing integrated medical, legal, and counselling services. The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund's Women Entrepreneurs Program exemplifies initiatives providing women with access to credit, skills training, and mentorship, recognizing economic independence as crucial to reducing vulnerability to exploitation. The #ArewaMeToo movement in northern Nigeria and nationwide #EndRape campaigns have broken the silence around sexual violence, challenging cultural norms and demanding accountability. These movements are increasingly led by young feminist activists using social media to mobilize support and document abuses and partnerships between the European Union and the United Nations focused on eliminating violence against women and girls has invested 25 million in Nigeria, working across six states to strengthen institutions, shift social norms, and improve services for survivors.   NORTH AFRICA   North African countries share some common challenges regarding women's rights, though with significant variation reflecting their diverse political and social landscapes. Until recently, many North African countries maintained legal provisions that discriminated against women, including laws allowing rapists to escape prosecution by marrying their victims, reduced penalties for "honour crimes," and unequal inheritance rights. In Egypt, a 2015 survey found that 46% of even-married women have experienced some form of spousal violence. In Morocco, a national survey revealed that 57% of women had experienced some form of violence in the previous year, with psychological violence being most common. Despite high educational attainment among women in North Africa, female labour force participation remains among the lowest globally. In Egypt, only about 18% of women participate in the formal labour market, compared to 67% of men. Public sexual harassment is pervasive across North African countries. In Egypt, a UN Women study found that 99.3% of women reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment in public spaces. The Arab Spring movements of 2011 created both opportunities and new risks for women's rights. While women were at the forefront of democratic movements, subsequent political instability has sometimes led to regression in rights protections.   North African countries have seen significant progress through various approaches. Morocco’s 2018 Law 103-13 criminalises various forms of violence against women, including cyber harassment and forced marriage. Tunisia's landmark 2017 legislation on eliminating violence against women is considered one of the most comprehensive in the region, addressing economic discrimination alongside physical and sexual violence. Tunisia’s constitution guarantees gender parity in elected assemblies, and women now constitute 26% of parliamentarians. In Morocco, reforms to the electoral code have increased women's representation to 24% in parliament. Campaigns like ‘Harass Map’ in Egypt use technology to document and combat sexual harassment, allowing women to report incidents anonymously while creating visual representations of harassment hotspots to guide prevention efforts. In Morocco, the argan oil industry has created economic opportunities for rural women through cooperatives that now employ thousands of women, providing sustainable livelihoods and increasing women's decision-making power within households and communities. Networks like the Coalition of Women Human Rights Defenders in North Africa facilitate cross-border collaboration, sharing strategies and providing mutual support to activists working on gender-based violence. Comprehensive Legal and Policy Reform must be put in place to address all forms of violence and exploitation and encourage participation for all. Sustainable change requires addressing the root causes of violence, including, engaging men and boys as allies through programs like Promundo's work in multiple African countries. Working with religious and traditional leaders to reinterpret cultural practices in ways that respect women's rights. Using media, including radio dramas and social media campaigns, to challenge harmful stereotypes. Strengthening Prevention and Response Systems, building Women's Economic Power and economic empowerment strategies to tailored to women's needs.   Ending violence and exploitation of women and girls in Africa requires sustained commitment across multiple sectors. The case studies of Nigeria and North Africa demonstrate both the persistence of deeply rooted challenges and the potential for transformative change when women's rights are prioritised. Progress is most evident where multiple strategies converge strong legal frameworks, shifting social norms, support services for survivors, women's economic empowerment, and women's leadership in decision-making. Crucially, the most successful interventions are those that recognise women and girls not merely as victims to be protected but as agents of change in their communities. The path forward must centre African women's voices and leadership, building on indigenous knowledge while leveraging new technologies and global partnerships. By addressing both immediate protection needs and long-term structural inequalities, Africa can accelerate progress toward a future where all women and girls live free from violence and exploitation. Join the Conversation!

East Africa still faces two deeply entrenched harmful practices that continue to violate the rights and dignity of women and girls this community. Forced marriages and female genital mutilation have been two practices that governments have been trying to eliminate to protect women and girls. Despite efforts to eliminate these practices it has been hard because of cultural factors like patriarchal traditions, poverty, and misconceptions about female sexuality social status and religion. Th blog will explore the current situation of these harmful practices in East Africa, highlighting both the challenges and progress being made through grassroots activism and policy reforms. Forced marriage often involving girls under the age of 18 who cannot give consent. In East Africa, this practice remains widespread despite laws put in place. Somalia has the highest percentage of 45 percent, Ethiopia at 40%, Uganda 34% and Tanzania at 31%. FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The prevalence varies significantly across East Africa with Somalia having they the world's highest FGM prevalence at 98%, Ethiopia at 65%, Kenya 21% and Tanzania at 10%.   Kenya’s Community-Led Alternative Rites of Passage   Kenya's Anti-FGM Board, established through the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011, has partnered with grassroots organisations to promote alternative rites of passage (ARP) that preserve cultural celebrations marking the transition to womanhood without harmful cutting practices.  For instance, in Kajiado County, the Maasai community has seen significant progress through the efforts of organisations like AMREF Health Africa and their "Nice Day" alternative ceremonies. These events include traditional aspects of coming-of-age celebrations—songs, dances, and community gatherings to celebrate while eliminating cutting.   "Before we started the Alternative Rite of Passage program in 2009, nearly 85% of girls in our community underwent cutting. Today, that number has fallen below 25%," says Linet Momposhi, a community health worker and former circumciser who now champions alternatives. "Girls still learn about their heritage and values, but now they also learn about their rights and the importance of education."   The success of Kenya's approach stems from engaging entire communities, including traditional leaders, religious authorities, and men and boys, rather than targeting only the women who perform the cuts or the girls themselves.   Ethiopia’s Legal Reform and Economic Empowerment   Ethiopia has taken strong legal action against both practices, with the revised Criminal Code of 2005 criminalising both FGM and child marriage and the establishment of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Harmful Traditional Practices against Women and Children. The Berhane Hewan ("Light for Eve") program in the Amhara region addresses child marriage by combining community awareness, girls' mentoring, economic incentives, and school supplies. Families who commit to keeping their daughters unmarried and in school during the two-year program receive a goat upon completion, an economic asset that offsets the perceived financial benefits of early marriage.   "When we started, many parents saw delaying marriage as an economic burden," explains Dr. Annabel Erulkar, who helped design the program. "The incentive helps families see the value in girls' education, while the mentoring gives the girls confidence to advocate for their futures."   The program has reduced child marriage by up to 94% in participating communities. Girls in the program were three times more likely to remain in school compared to their peers in control communities.   Somalia’s Religious Leaders as Change Agents   Somalia presents one of the most challenging cases for eliminating these practices, with near-universal FGM prevalence and deeply entrenched cultural and religious beliefs. A breakthrough approach has been engaging religious leaders to challenge the widespread misconception that FGM is required by Islam. The Religious Leaders' Advocacy Programme, supported by UNFPA and led by Sheikhs and Imams, clarifies that FGM has no basis in Islamic texts and contradicts Islamic principles of preventing harm.   "Many people believed this was a religious obligation, but nothing in our holy books supports mutilating girls," states Sheikh Ibrahim Hassan from Mogadishu. "When people hear this message from respected religious authorities, it changes their perspective entirely."   In communities where religious leaders have spoken out, the shift toward less severe forms of cutting represents an intermediate step toward total elimination. The proportion of girls undergoing the most severe form (infibulation) has decreased from 80% to approximately 30% in intervention areas.   Tanzania’s Safe Houses and Girls' Empowerment   In Tanzania's Mara Region, the Masanga Centre provides refuge for girls fleeing FGM and forced marriage, particularly during the cutting season (November-December). The centre combines immediate protection with education, legal support, and family mediation.   "When I first arrived, I was terrified and thought my life was over," says Neema, now 18, who escaped cutting three years ago. "But here I found not just safety but opportunity. I'm now preparing for university to study law, so I can help other girls like me."   The centre’s approach includes reconciliation efforts that allow many girls to eventually return to their communities as agents of change. Girls who cannot safely return are supported through completion of their education. Jean Lokenye, the centre’s director has emphasised the importance of education: "Girls who complete secondary school are 80% less likely to undergo cutting and 92% less likely to marry early. Education is the single most powerful intervention we have." The consequences of these harmful practices extend far beyond the immediate physical trauma. FGM can cause immediate complications including severe pain, excessive bleeding, infection, and even death. Others are childbirth complications, painful intercourse and psychological trauma. Eradication of forced marriage and FGM requires coordinated action at multiple levels. Governments need to strengthen the laws put in place and more education programs on the negative impacts. Communities should challenge harmful social norms through open dialogue and community conversations, develop alternative rites of passage that preserve cultural celebrations without harmful elements, engage traditional and religious leaders as champions for change and support victims. Significant progress is being made with communities, governments and international partners coming together to fight these practices. The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation has developed evidence-based interventions to curb early marriages and FGM at community levels. All East African countries have put in place laws against FGM and child marriage, though enforcement varies significantly. Kenya's Anti-FGM Board represents a model of dedicated institutional infrastructure to implement laws. Others like Tanzania have opted for School-Based Protection centres for girls.   The elimination of forced marriage and FGM in East Africa is not impossible it is already underway, from community halls in rural Kenya to parliamentary chambers in Ethiopia, religious schools in Somalia to digital platforms connecting activists across the region, the movement to end these harmful practices is gaining momentum. This vision requires unwavering commitment from all sectors of society. It demands that we listen to and amplify the voices of survivors and community activists who have been leading this work for decades. It requires acknowledging the complex cultural contexts of these practices without accepting cultural relativism as an excuse for inaction on clear human rights violations. Most importantly, it requires believing in the possibility of change, even for practices that have persisted for generations. The evidence from communities across East Africa shows that when girls are valued, when traditions are questioned, and when communities come together to envision new possibilities, transformative change is not only possible but inevitable.   The time for that change is now.   If you know anyone who is at the risk of FGM or in a forced marriage report to relevant authorities.