分类： society

The city of Nairobi has come together in a solemn gathering to honor the memory of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80. Odinga, a prominent political figure in Kenya, died while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in India. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection among citizens, who remember him as a pivotal leader in the nation’s history. The mourning event, held in the heart of Nairobi, saw a diverse crowd of supporters, political allies, and ordinary citizens paying their respects. Odinga’s legacy, marked by his contributions to Kenya’s democratic evolution and his role in shaping the country’s political landscape, continues to resonate deeply across Africa and beyond. The gathering not only commemorates his life but also underscores the profound impact he had on the nation and its people.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural landmark near the Giza pyramids, has announced a temporary closure from October 15 to November 3, 2025, in preparation for its highly anticipated official inauguration. The museum, which has been in a soft-opening phase for nearly a year, will host a grand ceremony on November 1, with public access resuming on November 4. During its trial phase, the GEM showcased 12 galleries featuring thousands of artifacts, including the Grand Staircase adorned with statues and relics from various eras of ancient Egyptian history. Notably, the Tutankhamun Hall, housing the complete collection of the young pharaoh’s treasures—including his golden mask, coffins, and over 5,000 other artifacts—was preserved as the centerpiece for the official opening. Spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the GEM is recognized as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This closure marks the final step in preparing for a historic event that promises to celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage on a global stage.

In the rural landscapes of northeastern Zimbabwe, a group of girls gathers inside a white tent with a wooden fireplace at its center. They remove their shoes, sit on mattresses, and prepare to engage in open discussions about sexuality, child marriage, teen pregnancy, gender bias, education, economic empowerment, and the law. This gathering is a modern revival of Nhanga, an ancient tradition once used to prepare adolescent girls for marriage. Today, it has been reimagined as a peer-led movement to resist child marriage, a pervasive issue in Zimbabwe and across Africa.

Nhanga, traditionally a female-only space in round thatched huts, was historically a place where girls were taught obedience, marital duties, and moral education, reinforcing patriarchal norms. However, the new Nhanga is a cultural innovation addressing contemporary challenges. ‘The new Nhanga is a safe space where girls can candidly discuss sensitive topics,’ said Nokutenda Magama, a programs officer with the Rozaria Memorial Trust, a nonprofit driving this revival.

The sessions, organized by age groups ranging from five-year-olds to women over 35, include practical skills like poultry raising, farming, and soap making. Elders and senior government officials are sometimes invited to provide mentorship. This initiative comes amid alarming statistics: one in three girls in Zimbabwe marries before 18, a situation mirrored across East and southern Africa. Despite laws outlawing child marriage, poverty, weak enforcement, and cultural practices perpetuate the problem.

For Samantha Chidodo, 26, the Nhanga revival offered a lifeline. Forced into an abusive marriage at 17, she escaped and, with support from the Rozaria Memorial Trust, returned to school and became a pioneer of the modern Nhanga. ‘Initially, we were only about 20 girls. Now, over 200 in my village participate,’ she said. The movement has spread to Zambia and Sierra Leone and gained recognition at African Union and United Nations forums.

To address the cultural roots of child marriage, girls have sought the support of chiefs and village heads. Xmas Savanhu, a local village headman, explained that offenders now face fines, such as paying a cow, which is held in trust for the girl’s education. Despite progress, poverty and entrenched attitudes remain challenges. ‘The gap lies with the adults,’ said Enet Tini, a teacher and mentor, emphasizing the need for girls-led initiatives to shift societal norms.

Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director at U.N. Women and founder of the Rozaria Memorial Trust, called child marriage ‘essentially rape and sexual exploitation,’ stressing that solutions must involve girls themselves, policymakers, and traditional leaders. ‘If we can pressure each other into behaving badly, then we can also influence each other to act positively,’ said Anita Razo, an 18-year-old mentor.

This grassroots movement demonstrates how ancient traditions can be reimagined to address modern challenges, empowering girls to shape their futures and challenge societal norms.