africa Archives

Women victimized by Boko Haram forced to choose peace over justice

Boko Haram militants are surrendering to the Nigerian government as part of a rehabilitation program. But the women they once tortured are demanding justice too.

Feb 10, 2022

This story was co-published with VICE World News.

In Nigeria, gas giants get rich as women sink into poverty

As international gas companies like Eni, Shell and Exxonmobil reap millions of dollars, women in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region say gas flaring is destroying their land and livelihoods.

by Shola LawalJun 10, 2021

Women Were Key to Eradicating Wild Polio in Africa. But Can They Do the Same for COVID?

How do governments and the wider medical community successfully immunise the entire world against COVID-19? The answer might just lie with women, who played an enormous role in eradicating wild polio across Africa.

by Jessica Washington & Louise DonovanOct 22, 2020

This piece was published in partnership between Marie Claire UK, Kenya’s the Nation and The Fuller Project.

Seeking a decent life for domestic workers

As the head of the National Domestic Workers Council of Kudheiha, a trade union that advocates for Kenyan workers’ rights, she is the first point of contact for women’s pleas across the country and beyond.

by Louise DonovanJul 16, 2020

This article was originally published in The Daily Nation.

The Movement Tackling Sexual Harassment at Kenya’s Universities

Diana perched on a brown bench in one of Nairobi University's large lecture theatres, twisting her fingers into pretzel-like shapes. She scanned the room. To her left, students waited eagerly to hear her story. To…

by Louise DonovanJan 29, 2020

This article was published in partnership with The Nation and Al Jazeera.

African Men Try Leading the Fight to Stop Sexual Violence

When SP le Roux began to think about the sexual violence epidemic in his home country of South Africa, he put his background as an electrical engineer and inventor to work.

by Jillian KeenanDec 10, 2019

This article was originally published in Foreign Policy.

They left sub-Saharan Africa for the promise of Europe. Now they face an uncertain future.

TARIFA, Spain — Mercy lay motionless on the bed, afraid to move as the stranger pulled up his trousers and refastened his belt. Even after he left, she remained frozen. An hour passed. Then another.…

by Haloren MellendorfAug 13, 2018

This article was originally published in The Lily.

This Is How Trump’s Abortion Policy Will Curb Life-Saving Health Care

"Many are going to die," warned one impoverished 17-year-old Kenyan woman who nearly lost her life to a back-alley abortion.

by Sophia Jones and Neha WadekarFeb 1, 2017

This article was originally published in ELLE.

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