Integrating gender-inclusive approaches in transitional justice processes in Africa
Posted: 26 February, 2024 Filed under: Mary Izobo | Tags: African countries, conflict-related sexual violence, displacement, diverse sexual orientations, empowerment, enforced disappearances, femicide, forced marriages, gender identities, gender norms, gender perspectives, gender-inclusive approaches, human rights violations, patriarchal systems, rights of women and girls, societal transformation, socio-economic discrimination, Transitional Justice, unconstitutional changes Leave a comment
Author: Mary Izobo
International Human Rights Lawyer, Gender Equality Advocate and Governance Expert
During conflict, gender perspectives reveal the divergent impacts felt by all individuals –women, men, vulnerable and marginalised people, and those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. As a result, transitional justice in African countries must not only acknowledge but also actively engage with these gendered realities, particularly focusing on the experiences of women and girls. In the pursuit of reconciliation and healing, it is crucial to recognize the unique impact of conflicts on women and girls, exacerbated by patriarchal systems. By embracing gender-inclusive approaches within transitional justice, we pave the path towards a fairer, more inclusive society for all.
Men are Human Too: Challenging Existing Perceptions and Definitions of Masculinities
Posted: 30 October, 2023 Filed under: Athini Magodla | Tags: crime levels, Fatherhood, Fatherlessness, gender equality, gender liberation, gender norms, identity, Masculinities, Men, mental health, quality of life, suicide, violence, youth 1 Comment
Author: Athini Magodla
Gender Programme Fellow, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR).
Although June was Men’s Mental Health Month, noticeably, very few people know about it. This speaks volumes and shows the general disregard by society, of the issues that men face. There are limited platforms for men to engage their mental health experiences as a result of fear that holding space for men negates feminism.
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) emphasises that suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally and the mortality rate amongst men is considerably higher compared to women. The death of local South African male celebrities such as Riky Rick, Patrick Shai and Jabu Christopher shone the spotlight on the prevalence of suicide amongst men, which sparked up debates on Twitter. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reported that South African men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women – depression, anxiety and trauma are some of the contributing factors that lead men to suicide.
AfricLaw 