Legislating Gender, (Re)producing Rights: An Analysis of African Case Law

Abstract

This article considers the development of gender relations in Africa by using examples from various African countries of the ways in which case law is interacting with international developments on human rights to produce policy changes with respect to such matters as health care, sexual health, inheritance and other policy areas of particular interest to women. Developments vary between countries, but there are clear trends. Various court cases are discussed and the relationship between law, policy and practice is also considered.

Keywords:

• Africa
• gender
• reproductive rights
• abortion
• female genital mutilation