Reproductive Rights of Women in Africa: Progress or Rhetoric?
Date: 24 July 2024
Time: 15:00-17:00 (SAST)
Overview: The Pan-African Women’s Studies Unit at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC), University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa cordially invites you to an insightful webinar titled “Reproductive Rights of Women in Africa: Progress or Rhetoric?” Reproductive rights are essential human rights, crucial for the well-being, autonomy, and dignity of individuals, especially women. In Africa, women face significant barriers due to cultural and societal norms that perpetuate harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage. The webinar aims to convene policymakers, practitioners, advocates and community leaders to assess the status of reproductive rights in Africa, identify challenges and opportunities, and explore strategies for advancing reproductive rights and access to quality reproductive healthcare services in the region. By sharing experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, participants will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding reproductive rights in Africa and inform policy and programmatic responses that prioritize the needs and rights of women
Ms Zoliswa Ntsoko (South Africa) is the Institute’s Administrative Assistant who assists with general administration and research. She is a seasoned professional with a background in Disaster Management. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Milpark Business School, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management from Regenesys Business School. She also holds certificates in Project Management, and in Disaster Management. Previously, she has worked as a Disaster Management Specialist at the City of Johannesburg – Disaster Management Centre.
Ms Cecilia Lwiindi Nedziwe-Moyo is the Research Coordinator at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. She previously served as a Regional Coordinator at the Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa (CPIA) in Zimbabwe between 2007 and 2013. She completed her master’s degree in International Studies, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Australia as a Rotary Peace Scholar. She has just completed her doctoral studies at Rhodes University. Her areas of interest include: gender, foreign policy, regional organisations and conflict resolution.
Ms Thembeka Somtseu is a seasoned professional with a background in the textile and construction sectors. She holds a National Diploma in Business Administration from the Durban University of Technology, and studied Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She worked as a corporate communications specialist for more than ten years, serving in both local and multinational companies.