The essays in this book first appeared in the prize-winning weekly electronic newsletter, Pambazuka News. They provide an easy-to-read introduction to the struggle for women's rights in Africa. The contributors describe how African women won a cross-continental campaign for a protocol to protect their rights. In a rich variety of articles, they consider topics such as: women and conflict, the impact of current US policies on women's health in Africa, women's rights in Islam, and the implications of the Jacob Zuma trial for women in South Africa. Patrick Burnett, from South Africa, has a background in journalism. He is a contributing editor of Pambazuka News, and runs Fahamu's Cape Town office. Firoze Manji is the director of Fahamu and editor of Pambazuka News. Originally from Kenya, he has more than 30 years of experience in international development, health and human rights. He is a member of the editorial board of Development in Practice. Shereen Karmali is an editor with wide experience in the NGO sector. She is a co-director of Fahamu.