Women on the March: News from Africa
Kenya: Strengthening Feminist Resilience
This week in Kenya, allies from the Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) organized a powerful community session on gender-based violence, focusing on sexual violence against women and people with disabilities. The session tackled urgent issues such as defilement, incest, and rape, sparking deep discussions on defending women’s bodies and protecting vulnerable individuals. Community members came together to address these critical issues, standing firm in the fight against violence.
Simultaneously, in Kisumu County, the newly formed Nambokana/Nyando group held a meeting centered on building a feminist economy. This gathering marked a significant step toward empowering women economically and structurally, reinforcing local feminist leadership and solidarity.
The Kenyan team has also been active in producing the “Women on the March: #UntilWeAreAllFree” recording, a vibrant platform amplifying voices advocating for freedom, justice, and equality.
Western Sahara: A Struggle for Justice and Sovereignty
The ongoing situation in Western Sahara remains an intense focus for women’s rights and liberation advocates worldwide. Legally recognized as a non-self-governing territory under United Nations mandates, Western Sahara’s right to independence is enshrined in international law, yet remains a contested issue. Politically, the region has faced decades of turmoil, beginning with the Madrid Agreement of 1975, which saw its partition between Morocco, Mauritania, and Spain.
Morocco’s exploitation of Western Sahara’s natural resources has met with legal pushback, with the European Court ultimately recognizing the Sahrawi people’s sovereignty over their resources. This legal win for Western Sahara underscores international rejection of Moroccan claims and reinforces Western Sahara’s legitimacy as a distinct territory. Recently, the International Court of Justice further strengthened the Sahrawi cause by ruling against the fisheries agreement that included Western Sahara, symbolizing a major victory in the global legal fight for sovereignty.
Zimbabwe: Expanding Networks for Agricultural Struggle
In Zimbabwe, Shanty, Martha, and Caroline represented the World March of Women (WMW) at a significant gathering for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), alongside a parallel meeting with the FAO. The team showcased the WMW’s coordination with women farmers and youth, particularly in agriculture and food sovereignty efforts. They also expanded the network to include more organizations and allied groups that share these priorities.
This week’s updates highlight the courage and resilience of women across Africa, working tirelessly for justice, empowerment, and the vision of a feminist economy. From local meetings in Kenya to international victories for Western Sahara, the WMW’s mission remains clear: “We March Until All Women Are Free.”