Kenya's progressive 2010 Constitution has led to improvements in the representation of women in parliament and public life. But it’s still no match for historical prejudices which shut out women even before the first vote is cast. Women candidates who dare stand for office endure ridicule, humiliation and physical violence, writes Beatrice Akala.
Africa’s health systems must change to cope with a dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases, like cancer. Neo Tapela explains why measuring the performance of health care systems is so important in making this happen. But this requires the use of technology and better data collection.
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A woman leaves a polling station after casting her vote during the 2013 Kenyan elections.
Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
Beatrice Akala, University of Johannesburg
Kenya's progressive 2010 Constitution brought improved women's representation in Parliament and public life. But historical prejudices remain, always more intensely apparent during elections.
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Health + Medicine
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Neo Tapela, Harvard Medical School
Africa is expected to have among the steepest increases in the number of people affected by non-communicable diseases - it needs health care systems that can cope.
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Environment + Energy
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Mike Muller, University of the Witwatersrand
Dams are once again being recognised as important key contributors to a prosperous and sustainable future.
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Education
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Mzi Nduna, University of the Witwatersrand; Dominic Targema Abaver, Walter Sisulu University
Many people use religion and culture as explanations for their homophobic attitudes.
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Business + Economy
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Stephen Labson, University of Johannesburg
South Africa's power utility Eskom wants regulatory reporting requirements waived. The country's regulator faces possible court action if it agrees.
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From our international editions
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Susan Rose-Ackerman, Yale University
Brazil's political crisis is spiraling to a new level amid the release of recordings that allegedly caught the president authorizing a bribe. Fixing this mess will take more than a personnel change.
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Robin Pettitt, Kingston University
Did you think this was the Conservative party's 2017 election manifesto? Think again. This is the Theresa May show.
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Ben Williams, University of Salford
The party has produced an unexpectedly detailed plan for government, marking a radical break from the past.
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