Women human rights defender’s fight against female genital mutilation and child marriages in Africa

ABSTRACT

In Africa, Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) have been recognized by the United Nations and other human rights organizations for their fight against female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) of women and girls as young as 5 years old, and child marriages of young and adolescent girls across the continent. This paper acknowledges the instrumental role played by Women Human Rights Defenders in placing gender equality and the human rights of women and girls on the policy agenda of governments on the continent. It further emphasizes to emphasize the need for governments and government leaders to prioritize the support and protection of women, girls, and vulnerable groups across the continent.

KEYWORDS:

• Women human rights defenders
• child marriage
• female genital mutilation
• healthy women
• healthy cities
• girl’s education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Thematic background

The intersection of design, health, wellbeing, and technology: How can female built environment professionals make their voices heard?

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robyne Kim Moody

Robyne Kim Moody is passionate about social development. Her ensuing passion lead to her founding the Anastacia Moody Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa. The core broad sense of the organization is catering for children from a 360-degree social perspective. Robyne holds a BA in Public Health and currently completing her MA in International Development. Robyne is part of the Health of Women team at the Women’s Economic Imperative, and has experience working with Public Health non-governmental organizations across Southern Africa that strive to improve access to quality healthcare for individuals from socially disadvantaged communities.