The Legal Edge

  To deny a woman her basic rights is to challenge her very humanity ." Nelson Mandela. T his quote encapsulates the fundamental tension in the discourse on foetal rights and women's reproductive choices, highlighting the essential need to respect and uphold women's autonomy while navigating the complex moral landscape surrounding the rights of the unborn. The law does not choose between the rights of the mother and the rights of the unborn; it must navigate the complex terrain where life begins and personal autonomy is at stake.

Strengthening Gender Mainstreaming within Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector (GJLOS) 1. Enhance Judicial Capacity: Train Judges, Magistrates, Chiefs, and Police: Conduct comprehensive and ongoing training programs on laws relating to women's property rights, including: Focus on Case Law: Emphasize High Court decisions confirming women's inheritance and property rights. Develop a Training Manual: Create a comprehensive manual for magistrates and customary leaders, clearly outlining case law that establishes the primacy of statute law over discriminatory customary law. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a system of "spot checks" to monitor court decisions and ensure adherence to the principles outlined in the training. Authority: This approach aligns with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which emphasizes the importance of judicial education and enforcement of women's rights. 2. Improve Access t...

Prostitution Through a Feminist Lens: Legal and Societal Implications   This article delves into the multifaceted issue of prostitution through a feminist lens, examining its legal and societal implications across different regions, including a comparative analysis with practices in Africa. It argues that prostitution, regardless of perceived voluntariness, perpetuates harmful gender dynamics and often constitutes a form of violence against women. This perspective is crucial for understanding the power imbalances inherent in the sex industry and the challenges in formulating ethical and effective legal solutions. Prostitution as a Manifestation of Patriarchy Core Argument: Prostitution, similar to pornography, objectifies women, reducing them to sexual commodities for male gratification. This reinforces patriarchal power structures that subordinate women and perpetuate gender inequality. Potential Benefits   Economic Gains: For Sex Workers:Prostitution can provide a source of ...