CLEEN Foundation’s Post

#AfricanFutures: Did you know? 🔴 In Kenya, 3 out of 4 girls experience female genital mutilation (FGM) before the age of 14, according to UNICEF (based on data from the annual report for 2021). The emancipation of women & girls everywhere is of vital importance. Practices such as FGM are not aligned with feminism. In fact, FGM today is recognised as a practice that violates a number of international human rights laws❗ That is why Kenya 🇰🇪 has taken such a tough stance against it. The East African country has some of the most progressive legislation around the harmful practice. It has made 12 commitments to end all forms of GBV and FGM by 2026 👏. Pictured: Kenyan President William Ruto - then Deputy President - after a signing ceremony of the 'End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Beads Initiative' in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2019. Read this country-specific explainer by UNICEF: https://lnkd.in/d3fS9E-f #Kenya #Nairobi #FGM #FemaleGenitalMutilation #EndFGM #Feminism #GenderEquality #WomensRights #GirlsRights #HumanRights #DidYouKnow #FFP #FemaleForeignPolicy

Join this all male panel discussion on advancing the rights of women and girls: the impact of a legal framework such as the Maputo Protocol. The advancement of women's rights is not just a "women's issue" but a societal one that requires more inclusive dialogue that can help shift mindsets across different genders. 👇🏿From the lips of men #MaputoProtocol #africanwomen #InclusiveAdvocacy #Allyship #SOAWR Equality Now Alliances for Africa UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women Co-Impact BAOBAB NG African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) Open Society Foundations Open Society-Africa Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

DAY 2 - 16 DAYS ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE-GBV RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION, as enshrined in Nigeria's Constitution and international treaties. In Nigeria, the Right to Freedom from Discrimination is guaranteed under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or political affiliation. It is a fundamental human right enshrined in international treaties and national laws, promoting inclusivity and equality in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and public services. Addressing discrimination is essential for fostering social harmony and protecting the dignity of every individual. This right is also reinforced by laws such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and advocacy efforts addressing gender inequality and other forms of bias. Despite these provisions, challenges remain in ensuring full enforcement, especially in areas like employment, education, and access to justice. Efforts to address discrimination are crucial for fostering national unity and protecting human dignity. Let's amplify this message, educate ourselves, and inspire action toward ending gender-based violence in all its forms. Join Courageous Girls Women and Children Initiative - CGWCI end all forms of Gender Based Violence-GBV in Nigeria #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism #nigeria #womenandgirlsrights #FreedomFromViolence #humanrights #freedomfromdiscrimination United Nations UN Women USAID UNICEF

As we celebrate women all around the globe, let us not forget the incredible women making strides in Papua New Guinea's law and justice sector. From lawyers to judges, policymakers to activists, police officers to village court officials, these pawa meris are contributing to shaping a more just society in PNG. In PNG's journey towards a fairer, more just society, investing in women is not just an option; it's a necessity. The Australian Government, through collaboration with law and justice agencies in PNG, is proud to support and invest in women to help them excel in their work. Empowering women within this sector helps pave the way for accelerated progress and sustainable development. Working in the law and justice space is challenging, and today we acknowledge and applaud all women serving throughout PNG for their contributions and efforts building this nation. #InvestInWomen: Accelerate Progress #CountHerIn #IWD2024

The fight for justice and equality must extend to every corner of our world, including the protection and rights of Indigenous women and girls. They face unique challenges, as discrimination and violence continue to jeopardise their access to land and resources vital for their well-being and survival. Indigenous women and girls often bear the brunt of systemic injustices, which can undermine their right to live free from fear and to benefit from the land that has been their home for generations. It is our responsibility to ensure they receive the protection and support they deserve. Women Impacting Nigeria (WIN) is committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and advocating for their safety and equal rights. This means confronting the violence they face, advocating for their right to land, and standing with them in their fight for justice and respect. Let’s unite to protect the dignity of every Indigenous woman and girl. Together, we can work towards a world where they have the freedom and opportunities to thrive, unhindered by discrimination and violence. #WomenImpactingNigeria #WIN #NGO #FightForEqualityAndJustice #DignityForAllWomen

Since the introduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bil, 2024 Ghana Center For Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has engaged with Members of Parliament, the media, religious leaders, university deans, counsellors and student representative council leaders across Ghana to advance awareness of human rights, guaranteed and protected under Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution, and to emphasize the critical duties of the state outlined in Chapter 6. After these engagements there is a fundamental truth and determination that must be acknowledged: democracy thrives when human rights are respected and the rights of every individual, regardless of identity, are protected. The rule of law needs to remain a shield for all, ensuring that every Ghanaian can live without fear of discrimination or persecution. Inclusion is to be used as a strength and not a weakness for democracy. Inclusion It fosters trust in institutions, nurtures civic participation, and ensures that no one is left behind. When a society criminalizes identity rather than harmful actions, it risks breeding fear, undermining social cohesion, and eroding the very foundations of democracy. As the day for us to vote and elect a new government of Ghana approached, it should be remembered that inclusion, dignity and justice are not mere aspirations but lived realities for everyone. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Ph.D Richard Ajao Sharon Willis Brown-Acquah #HumanRights #Democracy #Inclusion #RuleOfLaw #2024Elections #GhanaDecides

60% Of people in #Uganda rank basic needs like healthcare, education, food, and water as their top priorities over political freedoms and women's rights (22%) - These findings come from Poll 2 of our ongoing #HumanRights campaign. The results of the poll beg the question: Are people who are faced with poverty in their communities more concerned with their basic needs and therefore less concerned with political and women's rights? Are international advocacy groups promoting inclusive, political and gender rights mis-aligned with the day-to-day realities and priorities of average Ugandan citizens? There is even disagreement about human rights issues among foreign advocacy groups working in Uganda. For example, there is a big debate about whether people should have easy access to contraceptives and abortion services. Some international groups that support progressive ideas argue that access should be increased, while other conservative groups from abroad are against it. This leaves many Ugandans feeling confused and left out of a debate that has both sides being argued by outsiders. UHRC Uganda Human Rights Commission UN Human Rights Uganda GIZ Uganda AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda The Human Rights Centre Uganda FIDA Uganda Centre For African Justice, Peace and Human Rights CEHURD Uganda DefendDefenders

Addressing Gendered Violence in Papua New Guinea: Opportunities and Options

In the province of Negros Occidental, a youth-led coalition is transforming the narrative of local elections and governance. 🏛️🇵🇭 The Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc (NYLI), together with the Hugyaw: Western Visayas Coalition, initiated Project Tib-ong to empower the civic spaces of the youth in their community. Through this project, NYLI is bridging issues on land rights, farmers struggles, civic engagement, and voting to underscore the importance of each individual's vote. 🗳️ Through Project Tib-ong, NYLI and Hugyaw are promoting #ActiveCitizenship among the youth. Their initiative demonstrates that the youth has an active role to play in our society -- that they have the ✨ capacity and power to participate in governance. 👉🏼 Read the full story behind Project Tib-ong here: https://lnkd.in/dM2AD7Gm Project Tib-ong is supported by YouthLed through the IGNITE Grants, a grant facility for projects and initiatives focused on strengthening youth participation in democratic governance. #YouthLedPH #YouthCoalitions #IGNITEGrants #KabilangKa #BSKE2023 #Halalan2025 #Democracy #Governance

*Breaking The Silence: Digital Rights For Women And Girls In Nigeria* _By Mojirayo Ogunlana, Digital, Media, Gender and Human Rights Advocate_ _Women across Nigeria face not just limited access, but disproportionate levels of online abuse. According to Paradigm Initiative, 55% of Nigerian women have experienced online violence, including cyberbullying and image-based abuse. These attacks silence women, stripping them of the internet’s potential to provide education, career growth, and political participation._ https://lnkd.in/etV-BfGU