The 1993 Vienna Conference on Human Rights focused its attention on the global campaign for the acceptance of women’s rights as human rights and the act of violence against woman as a violation of their human rights.

While it is true that considerable progress has been made for women’s equality there is still a great deal of work left to be done, even in first world countries. This task is particularly difficult in contexts where there is an ongoing struggle, and women’s needs and rights are either grossly violated or marginalised in view of the struggle. Struggles that remain unresolved or festering for too long often get exacerbated into situations of conflict which in today’s context are invariably violent in nature and armed. Reports show that these armed conflict situations are an increasing reality in many parts of the world including Chad. The UN Department for Disarmament Affairs has recorded over 150 armed conflicts in the developing countries since 1945.

These conflicts involving mostly politically marginalised peoples, impact on women in a very special way. Thus the Beijing Platform for Action highlights the special impact of armed conflict on women pointing out that although all sections of society are affected.....“Women and girls are particularly affected because of their status in society and their sex”

In the year 2008 in February, a month used to celebrate Black history and the accomplishments of Black women worldwide, it may surprise you that the issue of women’s rights is still a topic of contention. It is in all formality a matter of equality and justice.

By Gynelle Findlay