2014 is the 20th anniversary of South Africa’s independence, and is also an election year. Although South African politicians often describe the country as a “rainbow nation,” is the term really more than rhetoric used in an attempt to pacify those who speak about persisting inequalities and rampant corruption? Today’s African National Congress (ANC) is … Continue reading South Africa: 2014
Why your new neighborhood is violating other people’s rights
The right to housing is one of the most fundamental rights, and yet it’s no secret that millions of people around the world are going without. While commonly thought of as a developing world problem, the UN Human Rights Commission estimated in 2005 that 100 million people across the world were homeless, meaning that the … Continue reading Why your new neighborhood is violating other people’s rights
Marry who you want, and marry who you like
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Along with other fundamental rights, such as "the right to life, liberty and security of person" (Art 3) and "freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state," (Art 13); the UDHR also states that "Men … Continue reading Marry who you want, and marry who you like
Survival isn’t …
Survival isn't about certain death. It's about keeping your head down.- 12 Years a SlaveI just watched 12 Years a Slave over the weekend. This quote, and the whole film, really, reminded me of a conversation I had last year with one of my professors. We spoke at length about groups being complicit in their … Continue reading Survival isn’t …
Africa Widening
Africa WideningI am on Think Africa Press today talking about rising obesity in Africa. Please check it out!
Women are not an interest group
I recently finished a Masters degree in peace studies. Throughout the course, a lot of emphasis was placed on Johan Galtung’s idea that peace is commonly defined negatively- that is, that peace is often referred to as the absence of war, rather than the presence of something else. That “something else,” peace, has to include … Continue reading Women are not an interest group
Why the racist, sexist backlash against Cecile Kyenge is a good thing
In April, Cecile Kyenge was appointed minister of integration by Italy’s prime minister, Enrico Letta. She is the first black person to serve in Italy’s cabinet, and has lived in the country for the past 30 years after moving to Italy to study medicine at the age of 18. An ophthalmologist by trade, she has … Continue reading Why the racist, sexist backlash against Cecile Kyenge is a good thing
When Being Childless Isn’t a Choice
When Being Childless Isn't a ChoiceI am featured on the Atlantic. Please check it out!
Is it worth it to be a law-abiding citizen?
This past week, the chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, called on Nigerian youth to take charge of their country, saying that “a society is built on values” and that the youth should defend their values to affect change. He said “I charge the younger generations to take charge of the … Continue reading Is it worth it to be a law-abiding citizen?
Gender Discrimination v. Abortion Rights
I am 100 per cent behind a woman’s right to choose what to do in the event of an unwanted pregnancy. I am completely against “informed consent” laws that require a woman to have an extremely invasive ultrasound before being allowed to go through with the procedure. It seems like a complete waste of time … Continue reading Gender Discrimination v. Abortion Rights
