The Cry of Winnie Mandela

This title clarifies, in an African context, what ought to constitute universal human rights and strategies for their legitimization, protection and realization. The contributors argue for the local promotion of rights through processes of cultural transformation over time. Tensions between local cultures and the notion of universal human rights can be addressed through creative possibilities within specific countries. They examine the African Charter of Human and People's Rights to make a case for recognizing a specifically African cultural contribution to ideas of human rights originating from a European social context. The general issues at stake are applied to the contentious question of women's rights - especially over land and other property.