31/03/2026
WE MUST PROTECT THE AGED NOW
Africa stands at a meaningful crossroads, one that calls not only for reflection, but for urgent, compassionate, and deliberate action. Across the continent, older persons, especially women carry the wisdom of generations, the strength of survival, and the cultural memory that anchors societies. Yet, far too often, their later years are marked by neglect, vulnerability, and, in some cases, grave human rights violations.
There is an important lesson to be drawn from the global success of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Its near-universal acceptance did not happen by chance; it was driven by clarity of purpose, sustained advocacy, public education, and political will. Today, children’s rights are widely recognized, embedded in national laws, and actively promoted across sectors. Governments, civil society, and communities understand that protecting children is essential to securing the future.
A similar level of commitment is urgently needed for older persons. While discussions around a Convention on the Rights of Older People continue, its visibility and traction remain limited. This gap is not merely procedural, it reflects a deeper societal hesitation to prioritize aging populations. Yet aging, like childhood, is an inevitable phase of life. Every older person has journeyed through all earlier stages, contributing to family, community, and nation. The question is not what they failed to do, but whether systems and leadership have adequately prepared to uphold their dignity in later years.
For older women in Africa, the challenges are particularly severe. Many face harmful cultural practices, accusations of witchcraft, dispossession of property, social exclusion, and physical or psychological abuse. These injustices are often normalized or overlooked, leaving victims without protection or recourse. This is a moral failing that demands immediate correction.
African leaders have the opportunity and responsibility to change this narrative. Just as the UNCRC galvanized action for children, there must be a coordinated push to elevate the rights of older persons. This includes enacting and enforcing protective laws, investing in age-friendly healthcare systems, ensuring social protection, and leading public campaigns to dismantle harmful stereotypes and practices.
A society that values its elders affirms its humanity. By acting now with urgency and empathy, African nations can build inclusive systems that honor life at every stage. The time has come to give older persons, especially women the dignity, respect, and protection they have long earned and deserve.
When we fail today to plan for aged, we must expect to be bitten by the venomous creatures of old age. Say something now to protect the aged!
To be continued in our minds…
