Zambia set a benchmark with its legislation against gender based violence, but McPherlain Chungu, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Zambia, writes that societal change is needed in order for the laws to be effective. In 2011, the Zambian Legislative body became one of the first in the Sub Saharan region to pass a sophisticated and …

“Zambia’s dilemma: gender based violence” Read More »

Elections are a crucial part of a healthy democracy, but Angelique Pouponneau, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, raises the issue of how we should consider the environment during an election campaign. The pinnacle of a democratic country is a constitution that makes provision for people to decide the direction of their country through …

“Facing the environmental cost of democracy” Read More »

Major shifts in global politics are fast shaping the refugee protection regime in Africa in a way that threatens to negatively affect humanitarian action towards refugee populations in the region, writes Joshua Orawo, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya. Two recent happenings have substantially affected and continue to affect funding for refugee protection programmes in the …

“Need to rethink refugee protection programming in Africa” Read More »

A bold decision by the Supreme Court of Kenya offers lessons for the judiciary in other countries, writes Badru Walusansa, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda. The Supreme Court ruling in Kenya that led to the nullification of President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta’s election victory provides key lessons on how an independent judicial system …

“Emulating Kenya’s judicial independence” Read More »

The unique opportunity to set big goal creates the framework for what Ariana Joseph, 17, a Correspondent from Antigua and Barbuda now studying in Canada,  describes as the audacity of youth.  In my previous article I focussed on the initiatives of the young people of the Potters Seventh Day Adventist Church Youth Group as they …

“The audacity of youth – to dream big” Read More »

Society has long held that elders should lead while youth wait on the sidelines, writes Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala. He argues for a shift that will encourage youth to become leaders. For a long time, our societies have embraced the notion that leadership is meant for the elderly among us. Consequently, …

“Leadership, youth, and a contemporary world” Read More »

Working as a development practitioner led Mridul Upadhyay, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, to learn how to ensure that development provides the best solutions to local problems. Most of us are familiar with sustainable development goals (SDGs). I have been a development practitioner for few years, but so many thoughts used …

“Finding a definition: What is development?” Read More »

Climate change is a fast growing threat to human health. Nancy Saili, 25, a Correspondent from Solwezi in Zambia, argues that as global temperatures rise, the impact will be on mental as well as physical health. Climate change brings serious health risks through injury, death, ill-health, and mobility impacts, especially in developing countries where most economies …

“Climate change and mental health issues” Read More »

Kiyara Matambanadzo, 16, a Correspondent from Harare in Zimbabwe, writes that more complex discussions about ‘rape’, ‘sexual assault’, and the meaning of ‘consent’ need to take place in the mainstream if change is to occur.  In today’s society there are few words more powerful than the word ‘rape’. Rape is an utterly horrifying and inexcusable …

“The meaning of the word ‘NO’” Read More »

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development envisages a collective journey to ensure that no one is left behind. Mary-Jean Nleya, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Botswana, argues this is not just a journey for the educated, the elite, or the diplomats but a “collective journey” for the uneducated, micro business owners, the poor, and those at the …

“SDGs and conversations in a Malawi market” Read More »