Culture and the Human Rights of Women in Africa: Between Light and Shadow

This article examines the ways in which cultural practices have caused difficulties in protecting women's rights in Africa. The author looks at the ways traditional cultural practices prevent womens rights from being realized. The author begins with an overview of women's human rights in African law (CEDAW, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the Protocol to the Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa). The author then examines specific cultural practices that limit the full implementation of women's rights (polygamy and divorce). The author concludes with suggestions: that education is vital for establishing a culture where human rights are understood and promoted, and that the African Charter should be interpreted as a "living instrument".