Corporate Governance Rating Systems as a Means of Targeting Corporate Misconduct in Africa: The Nigerian Example

by | Oct 8, 2019 | JCLA, JCLA V4 I1 2017

Corporate Governance Rating Systems as a Means of Targeting Corporate Misconduct in Africa: The Nigerian Example

Authors Sope Williams-Elegbe

ISSN: 2521-2605
Affiliations: Associate Professor, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Source: Journal of Comparative Law in Africa, Volume 4 Issue 1, p. 1 – 23

Abstract

In 2013, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, in partnership with the Convention on Business Integrity, piloted a Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS) for Nigeria. A corporate governance rating is a means of assessing a company’s corporate governance system by examining and evaluating an entity’s corporate governance procedures and practices. After the pilot’s conclusion, a qualitative evaluation of the pilot was conducted through a survey of the companies that had participated in the pilot as well as other stakeholders. The evaluation was done to determine whether the CGRS as piloted had been useful to improve the corporate governance practices and policies of participating companies and whether the participants and stakeholders in the CGRS believed that the CGRS would in the long term contribute to improving corporate governance in Nigeria. The evaluation also sought to identify the main challenges and drawbacks of the CGRS as piloted. This article presents the findings of this evaluation and the lessons drawn from the pilot, and further considers whether the CGRS will be suitable for other African countries that may want to adopt a corporate governance rating system.

The law as shelter: The interface between women and climate change adaptation responses in Africa

by | Oct 8, 2019 | JCLA, JCLA V5 I2 2018

The law as shelter: The interface between women and climate change adaptation responses in Africa

Authors Michael Addaney

ISSN: 2521-2605
Affiliations: Senior Research Assistant, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
Source: Journal of Comparative Law in Africa, Volume 5 Issue 2, p. 117 – 148

Abstract

Climate change is widely recognised as a key factor in sustainable development policymaking at international, regional and national levels. Indeed, there is increased recognition of climate change as a hurdle to realising the inclusive development objectives of developing regions and emerging economies. However, there is a dearth of policies and research on integration of gender perspectives into climate change programming. It is against this backdrop that this article examines the African Union Agenda 2063 and other relevant regional mechanisms to ascertain how they respond to the needs of women in coping with the adverse effects of climate change. Based largely on literature review, this paper examines the interface between women’s needs in climate change adaptation and the extent to which Agenda 2063 and associated AU laws and policies on gender and the environment meet these needs. It is argued that the inclusion of women’s needs in climate change interventions is crucial for the effective implementation of Agenda 2063 and associated policies. Firstly, women play a critical role in sustainable development in the Global South because of their prominence in agricultural and related activities. On account of this, their inclusion in sustainable development planning remains crucial, with a view to ensuring that climate change interventions are reflective of women’s agency in the environmental and socio-political affairs of emerging economies. It is concluded that the AU, African governments and civil society should accord due regard to the voice of women in all decisions having a bearing on climate change adaptation. The increased involvement of women will enhance environmental and productivity gains to create mutual benefits and higher returns across the SDGs, and the Strategic Aspirations of the Agenda 2063 in Africa.

Inclusion of gender sensitivity into Nigeria primary education system: Implications for national development

by | Oct 8, 2019 | JCLA, JCLA V5 I2 2018

Inclusion of gender sensitivity into Nigeria primary education system: Implications for national development

Authors Ngozi Chuma Umeh, Onuora-Oguno AC

ISSN: 2521-2605
Affiliations: None
Source: Journal of Comparative Law in Africa, Volume 5 Issue 2, p. 98 – 116

Abstract

Evidence from previous studies suggests that gender imbalance and inequality is as old as creation, and that the struggle against the subjugation of women has been a historical event. The term ‘gender imbalance’ implies that there are existing differences in the treatment of men and women by the society. Gender imbalance exists not only in Nigeria but also in other parts of the world, and in almost all areas of human endeavour. It is a problem that has been acknowledged by the United Nations, African Union and the Nigerian Constitution as a serious challenge to equality and development. Ultimately, appropriate gender-sensitive education that dismantles gender imbalance and inequality is considered pertinent. Most importantly, gender sensitisation will enhance the empowerment of women as an entry point to achieving gender equality and balancing power relations between men and women for the optimum benefit of the nation. This paper is an attempt to suggest a long-term solution to the problem of gender imbalance in the Nigerian society. In the long run, it is believed that, one of the major ways to overcome the situation of gender imbalance and inequality is through universal access to basic primary education.

Equality or pipe dreams: Gender and inclusive development under the African Union’s agenda 2063

by | Oct 8, 2019 | JCLA, JCLA V5 I2 2018

Equality or pipe dreams: Gender and inclusive development under the African Union’s agenda 2063

Authors Charlotte Kabaseke

ISSN: 2521-2605
Affiliations: None
Source: Journal of Comparative Law in Africa, Volume 5 Issue 2, p. 73 – 97

Abstract

Matters relating to women and gender equality have been at the helm of many discussions for the past decades. Several international legal and policy measures have been adopted to advance gender equality at various levels, as well as to position women to become key players in the economic, social and political spheres of society. Despite the progress made, there is still a cavernous fissure in women’s participation in the economic and political sphere, especially in Africa. The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1979 and the African Union enacted a regional Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) relating to the Rights of Women. The Protocol concerns specific problems faced by women in Africa. Subsequently, in 2013, the African Union adopted a blueprint to guide the development of Africa in the next 50 years, commonly dubbed ‘Agenda 2063’. Generally, the Agenda seeks to engender an inclusive development that puts women and youth at the centre of the continent’s development programming. The paper will examine how the various legal and policy instruments at the international and regional levels are incorporated and applied at the national level. It identifies the critical issues, challenges and prospects in advancing a gender-responsive inclusive development in Africa. The paper concludes that despite efforts at the regional level to advance gender equality, it has not been achieved due to poor enforcement at national level.

Challenges with implementing political leadership and decision-making participatory rights for women in Ethiopia

by | Oct 8, 2019 | JCLA, JCLA V5 I2 2018

Challenges with implementing political leadership and decision-making participatory rights for women in Ethiopia

Authors Solomon Tekle Abegaz, Workantif Desalegne Asfaw

ISSN: 2521-2605
Affiliations: Assistant Professor of Law, School of Law, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Judge at City Appellate Court, Amhara National Regional State, Wollo, Ethiopia
Source: Journal of Comparative Law in Africa, Volume 5 Issue 2, p. 45 – 72

Abstract

Globally, several interventions have been made to enable women to participate in political leadership and decision-making positions. However, women remain under- represented in these positions. The aim of this article is to assess the challenges with implementing political leadership and decision-making participatory rights for women using Bahirdar city administration as a case study.The findings of the study show that women face low considerations in political leadership and decision- making, and that they hold lower non-decision making and leadership positions in the city administration. More importantly, the findings show that a wide range of socio-cultural attitudes, conflict of balance between domestic and public life, lack of confidence and unwillingness by women themselves, and others prevent a more equal representation of women in the city administration executive power structure. Therefore, efforts, such as the creation of an enabling environment to enhance women’s participation in politics, the provision of women-related civic projects, the creation of awareness among young girls in schools through civic and ethical education about the importance of women’s political representation are recommended to enhance women’s political participation in the city in order to contribute to ensuring gender parity in the country in accordance to AU 2063 Agenda.