Miss Universe Mauritius 2024: A landmark in the legal battle for transgender equality

Lakshita-KanhiyaAuthor: Lakshita Kanhiya
Pan-Africa ILGA

The historic participation of Jeanny Michelle Karla Fanfan as the first transgender woman in Miss Universe Mauritius 2024 marks a significant milestone in the fight for transgender rights and inclusivity in Mauritius.[1] This moment not only symbolises progress within the realm of beauty pageants but also serves as a powerful platform to discuss the broader legal, social, and human rights challenges faced by transgender persons in Mauritius. As a general observation, the legal recognition and protection of transgender rights in Mauritius remain areas of significant concern, reflecting a broader global struggle for equality and non-discrimination.

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Women’s right of inheritance of property:  Perspectives of a female lawyer from South Sudan

Cedonia-Victor-LeggeAuthor: Cedonia Victor Legge
Advocate and LLM scholar, University of Juba

Introduction

Women in South Sudan make up more than half the country’s population, yet they have the least influence in the society ¾ especially in the right of access to property ¾ movable and immovable. Whereas the law guarantees the right of women to inherit property, patriarchal traditions continue to deny women from inheriting property. This article discusses my first-hand experiences as a female practicing lawyer in South Sudan. I start by pointing out the legal frameworks on women’s right to own property in South Sudan. This is important to show that South Sudan has legal obligations and a duty to ensure equal access to property by women. It is also crucial for the government to address barriers placed before women in enjoying such a fundamental right. The article proceeds to examine the traditional practices that are opposed to legal frameworks guaranteeing women’s rights to inherit property. The article ends with some recommendations that I put forward to address women’s right to inherit property.

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