As I looked up, I could see the back of some of the aluminum roofs from afar, but we still had to cross high grass to get to them. The place seemed isolated from the rest of the town. When we finally reached the entrance of the camp, we met the priest, who was sitting in the shade of large tree, while the women, gathered in a half-circle, were eagerly waiting for us. There were 15 of them, aged between 60 and 90 years old. They were all smiling. When we explained why we were there, they thanked us for taking the time to speak with them. To an outsider’s eye, this seemed to be a small village with a tight-knit community of older women. What was not apparent from the women’s jovial appearances was that their communities, even their families banished them in this remote area for being “witches”.  

Amnesty International Ghana has taken a significant step towards strengthening media partnerships to enhance human rights advocacy in the country. In a meeting held on February 6, key editors from leading media houses engaged in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, ensuring accurate reporting on human rights issues, and establishing a framework for sustained engagement.

Manahel finds strength and resilience in exercise, so much so that she became a fitness instructor herself. She is also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s authorities have made big claims about advancing women’s rights, and at first Manahel believed them. But in 2022, her world, and these hollow promises, came crashing down.