In Africa, significant strides have been made on various social issues, yet numerous cross-cutting challenges persist, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Healthcare, gender-based violence, and gender inequality remain deeply entrenched problems across the continent.
Although the right to health for all individuals without any form of discrimination is set in stone in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (arts. 2(2) and 12) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (art. 5(e)(iv)), women still face discrimination while accessing all forms of health care.
However, a growing movement of strong, brave female-led change leaders is emerging, shattering the glass ceiling and advocating for policies on menstrual health, maternal health and genetic diseases, that affect women and girls in marginalised communities disproportionately.
Menstrual Health
Women Change Leaders like Amina Guyo, Sylvia Awinja, and Frida Karani from Isiolo, Kisumu, and Embu Counties in Kenya are making a profound impact towards addressing “Period Poverty” through menstrual health education.Nigeria, Margaret Aladeselu, a 21-year-old addresses period poverty by donating pads to schoolgirls and advocating for tax-free sanitary products.
In Nigeria, Margaret Aladeselu, a 21-year-old addresses period poverty by donating pads to schoolgirls and advocating for tax-free sanitary products. In South Africa, Siphesihle Ndwandwe is championing one of the most common complaints amongst women prisoners, – only issued with two sanitary pads for each day that they menstruate.
Obstetric Violence
The efforts of these dedicated leaders are not isolated. Deborah Monari, Josephine Mwende Kamene, and Harriet Afandi—three women fighting as a united force—are campaigning against the dehumanizing treatment of women during childbirth. Through their groundbreaking report, they highlight obstetric violence within healthcare systems in Kenya and push for better treatment of women during childbirth.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
In Nigeria, Onor Obassi Tawo and Mariya Bagudo are advocating for the enactment of the national Sickle Cell Anaemia Control and Prevention Bill. This bill aims to make premarital genotype screening and counselling mandatory, addressing Nigeria’s status as the epicentre for sickle cell disease globally. Their work is to ensure that individuals are informed about their genetic compatibility before marriage, ultimately reducing the incidence of sickle cell disease in the country.
These Nguvu Change Leaders exemplify the transformative power of grassroots movements. Women driving systemic change. Their efforts challenge deep-seated cultural norms and push for legislative reforms that will have long-lasting impacts.This growing movement is a testament to the resilience and strength of African women. A powerful reminder that, despite persistent challenges, change is possible when driven by passionate and dedicated individuals committed to making a difference.
