Older persons are one of the vulnerable groups in the society and older women are particularly vulnerable to the compound effects of ageism, disempowerment and sexism. They are more likely to be poor, widowed, without pension or health care, socially ostracised and abused, to experience inter-generational conflict and to suffer violence in old age compared to their male counterparts. Many countries in Africa are doing very little about the protection and promotion of the rights of this group of people and the burden of care is usually placed on the family. This neglect is evidenced by the non-ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons (Protocol on Older Persons) by state parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

 

The visit to EWOFA is one in a series of planned events to promote the rights of older persons while celebrating their agency and advocating for the ratification of the Protocol on Older Persons. The older persons at EWOFA were vibrant and energetic, treating the Centre staff to song, dance and exercise routines. They spoke about their rights as stated in South Africa’s Bill of Rights, which includes their right to be protected from violence, their right to information, freedom of movement as well as social protection. It was a delight to behold. The Centre’s staff also shared key components of the organisation’s work on promoting the human rights of vulnerable groups and specifically on promoting the rights of older persons through the Centre’s campaign.

 

However, it is noted that more still needs to be done by the State to support such institutions to ensure that the rights of older persons are safeguarded and that their right to health, social security, protection from violence amongst other are realised. 

 

Watch this space for other upcoming events on the rights of older persons! #AgeWithRights