Africa: Securing Indigenous Women’s Rights and Participation

Indigenous peoples, an estimated 370 million living in more than 70 countries, maintain social, cultural, economic and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant societies they live in. Although among the most resilient of peoples worldwide, systematic marginalization throughout history has made them arguably one of the poorest and most vulnerable groups of people today. Many are victims of racial discrimination, social exclusion and rapid economic development without their consent. They have been denied their land rights, and deprived of access to basic needs like education and healthcare. When combined with other forms of discrimination, such as those based on race or ethnicity, the effects of gender discrimination can multiply, posing serious challenges to women's enjoyment of their basic human rights, says a UNIFEM briefing, 'Securing Indigenous Women’s Rights and Participation'.