Gender and Law : Eastern Africa Speaks

Gender issues, particularly with respect
to women's status and rights, have for a considerable
period, been in the forefront of donors' dialogue on
social issues with Africa. While Africa countries have fully
acknowledged the seriousness of the issues and the urgent
need for action, the dialogue has been largely donor-driven
and issues and priorities been donor-set. Recognizing the
need for a new approach in this important area for
Africa's progress, the Bank, in collaboration with the
Economic Commission for Africa, initiated a Gender and Law
Program, in October 1997, at a Conference held in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia. The Program shifts responsibility for
identification and implementation of themes, issues, and
priorities to in-country stakeholders rather than with
donors. During the Conference, each country delegation
voiced its priorities for change. The issues included
land-related challenges, family law, violence against women,
employment and labor, and decentralized governance
frameworks. Land and the division of household property are
prime areas where gender-based disparities marginalize and
disenfranchise women of Eastern Africa. In an effort to
improve women's social and economic life, two main
themes emerged: the impact of customary laws and practices
and the need for effective implementation. The delegates
emphasized the need to initiate action for change at
grassroots, institutional, and policy making levels.