Africa – Catalyst

Mapping, Filming, and Eliminating FGM

December 3, 2020December 29, 20206 min read Maeve Williams

Although the practice is against the law in Tanzania, FGM continues to be widespread, particularly in rural areas like the Mara Region. In addition, it is widely culturally accepted to the degree that “during the cutting season, you can’t get protection in the community”. as human rights activist Rhobi Samwelly explains.

#EndSARS and Nigerian Feminism

November 27, 2020December 29, 20205 min read Emily Duecker

Throughout history, countless women have played major organizational and leadership roles in major social movements, however, their names rarely hold as much historical significance compared to their male counterparts. When people hear the American civil rights movement of the 1960s they think of Martin Luther King Jr, not Ella Baker. This is not a result of lesser contributions on the women's part but rather reflective of the biased structure of social movements that foster clear gender distinctions and hierarchies.

Challenging the International Response to the Refugee Crisis

November 11, 2020December 29, 20207 min read Melanie Baume

Thus far, the global response of most developed countries has been to funnel money into the international refugee support system, which provides humanitarian aid relief through the establishment of refugee camps. As these camps are short-term solutions, in most host countries, refugees lack the right to work or move freely. This might not have been a problem if the duration of their stay were short, however the conflicts from which refugees flee usually last indefinitely.

COVID-19 and the Increase in Child Marriage

October 30, 2020December 29, 20204 min read Jasmine Acharya

With schools closed and lockdowns in effect, more and more women and girls are facing sexual abuse and gender-based violence. During this pandemic, the usual social fabric that protects many women and girls from domestic violence is not available as lockdown has forced many women and girls to become completely isolated.

Tanzania Sun

October 16, 2020December 29, 20206 min read Maeve Williams

This pandemic has made me more aware of the inequalities perpetuated in the global economy and the inadequacy of the rationales which accompany them.

The Impending Water Crisis Along the World’s Longest River

October 14, 2020December 29, 20204 min read Misbah Lalani

The sense of urgency and stubbornness both countries have displayed amidst this power struggle is a result of an inherent pride in identity. A sense of nationalism serves as both a unifying force within the countries for their respective causes, as well as a driver of animosity between them.

Contemplating Contemporary Colonialism: Making sense of China’s Increasing Investment and Influence in Africa

February 19, 2020December 29, 20207 min read Laurence Campanella

China’s growing financial investment in the African continent has brought with it concerns, with many questioning whether its foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade policies are a form of neo-colonialism. In order to responsibly address these important questions, it is … Continue reading

What Anti-Gay Sentiment Means for the LGBTQ+ Community in Uganda

November 26, 2019December 29, 20205 min read Mehak Balwani

Today, the law sentences homosexual acts to fourteen years of life imprisonment. This illegality of homosexuality makes LGBTQ+ members hesitant to seek help for HIV/Aids. Activists claim that the existing laws and policies make it harder for gay people to get jobs, rent homes, access healthcare and education services.

Comparative Case Study: Abortion Access in Morocco vs. Missouri

November 22, 2019December 29, 20205 min read Maeve Williams

In the era of first world feminism, it seems that double standards feed deeper divisions more often than they cause compassion. The severity of a female’s struggle is too often compared to another female’s, rather than her male counterpart.

David Malpass at McGill: An Uncertain Future For the World Bank?

November 12, 2019December 29, 20206 min read Ariana Castillon

On October 7th, McGill was chosen by the World Bank to host the first major policy signaling-address of its new President, David Malpass. Ahead of his afternoon speech in Pollock Hall, Malpass held a Q&A session with thirty students from … Continue reading