As we eagerly step into 2024, it’s time to reflect on an extraordinary journey filled with accomplishments, intellectual discourse, and impactful moments. Here’s a sneak peek into the key highlights of the year:
Publication Triumph: Choice and Conscience: Lessons from South Africa for a Global Debate
I am thrilled to announce the publication of my book, Choice and Conscience, by the esteemed Pretoria University Law Press. This open-access work delves into the complex realm of conscientious objection in abortion care. It offers a fresh perspective and combines traditional legal scholarship with African feminist intellectual traditions, providing a nuanced understanding of how legal norms shape power relations. Tailored for lawyers, activists, policymakers, scholars, and students, the book explores the intricate interplay of law, healthcare, and gender politics.
Global Book Launches
Bergen Exchanges – August
As part of the #BeEx23, I led the Roundtable on Reproductive Justice and Democracy, drawing on my research to illuminate how structural inequalities impact access to abortion care. This engaging discussion, with participants from around the globe, explored the implications for democracy. Choice and Conscience is part of the CMI/LawTransform RCN-funded project “Political Determinants of Sexual and Reproductive Health.” This session is also part of the LawTransform/WUN project “Gender Trouble: Glocalization of gender politics – challenges for democracy & health.”
South Africa – November
The South African book launch was an extraordinary event, graced by esteemed speakers:
- Prof Nkatha Murungi: Acting Director of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.
- Prof Charles Fombad: Professor of Law and heads the African Constitutional Law Unit at the Institute for International and Comparative Law, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria.
- Prof Cathi Albertyn: Professor of Law and South African Research Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice in the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand.
- Nondumiso Nsibande: Gender and Human Rights Expert, Ipas South Africa.
- Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng: UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, who officially launched the book.
Their insights and reflections added depth to the celebration, making it memorable. I am grateful for the incredible community that rallied behind me.
Reclaiming Power and Bridging Global Divides: SPHR23 & 6th Intl. Right to Development Joint Convening
In November 2023, I spearheaded the groundbreaking Joint Convening of the Social Practice of Human Rights Conference (SPHR23) and the 6th International Conference on the Right to Development. This high-level, award-winning event, hosting around 300 participants, was a global convergence of human rights innovation. Under the theme, “Decolonization and Development for Africa and Peoples of African Descent,” this conference emerged as a beacon for insights into the dynamic interplay of rights, discrimination, and social justice.
Bringing together global, national, and local leaders in human rights advocacy, SPHR23 fostered a collaborative platform for dialogue and innovation. The event uniquely united scholars and practitioners from both the African context and communities of African descent worldwide, facilitating a truly global exchange.
As the lead organizer, my focus was on curating diverse perspectives on the theme of “Decolonization and Development.” The conference featured 2 inspiring keynotes, 3 plenaries covering inclusive development, movement building, and just energy transitions, 5 concurrent sessions with over 30 panels and roundtables, and 5 forward-looking workshops. This diversity ensured a comprehensive exploration of critical issues. An engaging fireside chat with UD students, a celebration of the arts at #RightsFest, and a conversation with members of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent added layers of depth to the convening. These interactions sparked meaningful conversations and connections among participants.
Drawing on Black, pan-African transnational, and decolonial epistemologies, the key takeaway was the call to reclaim power and reenergize connections between Africa and its diaspora. By revitalizing cultural, social, and economic ties strained by centuries of exploitation and oppression, the conference aimed to foster solidarity and empowerment among people of African descent globally.
Recognizing and celebrating shared heritage and experiences emerged as a pivotal focus. SPHR23 aimed to leave a lasting legacy of strengthened connections, empowering voices, and fostering a sense of solidarity among individuals of African descent globally. This Joint Convening was not just a conference but a milestone in fostering global collaboration, diversity and empowerment.
Championing Change: Proud Recipient of Prestigious Awards in 2023!
2023 Justitia Award- Academia
I am thrilled to share the honor of being awarded the prestigious #JustitiaAward 2023 by the Women in Law Initiative. This esteemed accolade recognizes outstanding women across all legal professions, and I am deeply humbled to be acknowledged among such inspiring individuals. This award reflects a commitment to excellence in academia and the legal field. The award celebrates exceptional women in the legal profession, highlighting their contributions and impact across various domains.
This award is a testament to my commitment to excellence and dedication to making a positive difference in the field of law.
Florence Mahoney Award for Women in Academia
The Florence Mahoney Award for #WomeninAcademia by She Awards Gambia has been bestowed upon me twice now. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the dedication and impact of my work in academia.
As a scholar-advocate, I am deeply moved by the acknowledgment of my contributions to teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service. These awards reflect a commitment to excellence and a recognition of the multifaceted impact that academia can have on society.
Bridging Worlds: The Role of Universities in Promoting Human Rights (Extract)
Summer 2023 was an incredibly enriching and impactful experience as we sent six students from diverse backgrounds to participate in our Kenya Applied Research Practicum. The unique mix of human rights and engineering students added a fresh perspective and interdisciplinary approach to our work. In Kenya, our students passionately engage in applied research, taking on vital human rights issues directly affecting local communities.
In addition to our research practicum in Kenya, we had interns in three other African countries—The Gambia, Ghana, and South Africa.
#traveldiaryofsatang
My travels in 2023 spanned across diverse landscapes, each destination adding its unique flavor to my adventurous year!
Puerto Rico- June
Thrilled to have been in Puerto Rico for the Law and Society Annual Meeting! 🇵🇷✨ This conference provides a remarkable platform to delve into the intricate dynamics of a separate and unequal territory within the U.S. empire.
From the charming streets of Old San Juan to the hidden gems in every corner, these captivating artistic expressions add a touch of magic to the island’s landscape and charm.
South Africa (July & November)
Back in Cape Town after 11 years, it was a nostalgic reunion with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
Kenya – July
I had the most incredible experience in the heart of Africa! 🦁🐆 Visited Masai Mara, immersing myself in the breathtaking wildlife and embracing the vibrant Maasai community.
Bergen, Norway- August
Back in my favorite place, #Bergen, for the 2023 Bergen Exchanges. As always, it was an incredible week of meeting and engaging with scholars & practitioners from across the globe on all things law & social transformation. We discussed autocratization, resistance, academic freedom, child rights, gender health, climate action, indigenous rights and transitional justice. Beyond the discussions, Bergen’s scenic beauty and warm hospitality added an extra layer of charm to an already enriching experience.
Ethiopia – A Five-Year Reunion, December
Reconnecting with Ethiopia after five years was so good. It was exciting to connect with incredible women from around the world, united in our commitment to fostering women, peace and security.
Istanbul, Turkey- December
Stepped into the crossroads of history and culture.
In Action
2023 Bergen Exchanges, 14-18 August, 2023
The Bergen Exchanges on Law & Social Transformation (#BeEx2023) is a meeting place for scholars and practitioners from across disciplines and world regions who seek to understand how law is used as an instrument of change and how it shapes and is shaped by power relations. In a week of public discussions, we scrutinized strategic uses of rights and law and how legal institutions function as arenas for political contestation (lawfare). I was involved in the following:
- Keynote by Divine Fuh, University of Cape Town, South Africa, on Decolonizing Suffering: On Precarity and New Imaginative Subjectivities. Grip Podcast
Global Alliance of Women Mediators Networks Annual Meeting at African Union, December 11-12, 2023
The African Union’s Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa, which I am part of, currently chairs the Secretariat of the Global Alliance of Women Mediators, which was formed in 2019 in fulfillment of the implementation of a resolution comprising of the six regional networks: Arab Women Mediators Network (AWMN), the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa), the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN), the Nordic Women Mediators (NWM), the Women Mediators across the Commonwealth (WMC), and the Southeast Asian Network of Women Peace Negotiators and Mediators (SEANWPNM).
I moderated the FEMWISE-led panel on multi-level mediation & peacemaking! Discussions focused on diverse strategies by women mediators—from local conflict resolution to national peace processes. As well as the vital role of localizing women mediator networks in amplifying voices, building capacity, and fostering continental support.
4th Africa Forum on Women, Peace and Security
I attended the 4th High-Level Africa Forum on Women, Peace and Security convened by the African Union Special Envoy on WPS under the leadership of H.E Sahle-Work Zewde, the president of Ethiopia. The forum focused on Enhancing women’s participation and leadership in peace processes in Africa with a view to take stock, share experiences, and recommend practical actions for advancing women’s participation and leadership in peace processes, political transitions, and the governance of African peace and security structures.
Year of Scholarship
Choice and Conscience (My book)
My groundbreaking exploration of conscientious objection in abortion care, published by Pretoria University Law Press, centers on a global conversation about reproductive justice and legal frameworks.
Sexual Harassment, Law, and Human Rights in Africa (Book)
This comprehensive exploration sheds light on the pervasive issue, examining power dynamics and violations across various sectors. A must-read for researchers, policymakers, and advocates for gender equality
Decolonizing the Narrative Around Constitutions, Personal Laws, and Women’s Rights (Blog)
This collaborative piece, featured in OpenGlobalRights and AfricanLawMatters, challenged dominant narratives on legal frameworks and women’s rights, sparking a critical discussion on decolonization and feminist perspectives.
Additional peer-reviewed articles and chapters cover diverse topics, from sexual harassment to women’s rights in Africa.
| Type | Author(s) | Title | Publication Details |
| Peer-reviewed Book | Nabaneh, S | Choice and Conscience: Lessons from South Africa for a Global Debate | Pretoria University Law Press (November 2023) |
| Peer-reviewed Book | Durojaye, E, Nabaneh, S. & Adebanjo | Sexual Harassment, Law and Human Rights in Africa | Palgrave Macmillan (July 2023) |
| Peer-reviewed Book chapters | Nabaneh, S | Foreign Judges on the Gambian Bench: Implications for Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law | In: Dziedzic A, Young SNM, eds. The Cambridge Handbook of Foreign Judges on Domestic Courts. Cambridge Law Handbooks. Cambridge University Press; 2023: 392-408 (November 2023) |
| Nabaneh, S | Sexual harassment in the Workplace in The Gambia: An analysis of Recent Developments from a Feminist Perspective | in Durojaye, E, Nabaneh, S. & Adebanjo (eds) Sexual Harassment, Law and Human Rights in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan (July 2023) | |
| Peer-reviewed Book chapter | Nabaneh, S (with E Durojaye & T Adebanjo) | Sexual Harassment, Human Rights and Feminism | in E Durojaye, S Nabaneh, & T Adebanjo (eds) Sexual Harassment, Law and Human Rights in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan (August 2023) |
| Peer-reviewed Book chapters | Nabaneh, S | Article 5: Elimination of all Harmful Practices | in Commentary on the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. Pretoria University Law Press (July 2023) |
| Peer-reviewed journals/ publications | Nabaneh, S & Witenstein, MA | Conversations: Matthew A Witenstein with Satang Nabaneh | (2023) 17 (3) Diaspora, Indigenous, and Minority Education, 157-162. DOI: 10.1080/15595692.2023.2222501. |
| Peer-reviewed publication | Nabaneh, S | The Gambia: Constitutional Reform | in Barroso, LR and Richard, A, 2022 International Review of Constitutional Reform. |
| Peer-reviewed journal | Nabaneh, S | Bridging Worlds: The Role of Universities in Promoting Human Rights | Research and Reflection on Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Vol. 1, Article 5 |
| Blogs | Nabaneh, S, Inglis, S & Waldorf, L | Decolonizing the narrative around constitutions, personal laws, and women’s rights | OpenGlobalRights Spanish | AfricanLawMatters |
| Blog Series (Editor) | Nabaneh, S (Series Editor) | The Maputo Protocol @ 20 | African Law Matters Introducing ‘The Maputo Protocol at 20: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward’ Series Introduction to the Maputo Protocol and its Significance (Part 1) Implementation of the Maputo Protocol: Progress and Challenges (Part 2) The Maputo Protocol and the African Union Human Rights Institutions (Part 3) Financing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Why States Must Renew their Health Financing Commitments in the Maputo Protocol (Part 4) The Maputo Protocol and Violence against Women in Africa (Part 5) The Future of the Maputo Protocol: Prospects and Challenges (Part 6) |
Looking Forward
As we move into 2024, I carry with me the lessons learned, the connections forged, and the unwavering determination to continue championing change and fostering dialogue. Here’s to a year filled with greater triumphs, deeper connections, and an even more impactful journey!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a fantastic 2024!
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