WOMENS' HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES!

Anti-women songs banned in CAR.

Men still rule the roost in the Central African Republic. There has been some criticism in the Central African Republic of a ban on misogynistic songs which came into force over the weekend. Communication Minister Fidel Ngouandjika threatened action against the broadcasting of songs that portrayed women as inferior to men. He said they undermined the role of women and contravened their rights. Women only got the vote in the former French colony 20 years ago and men are allowed to marry up to four wives.
The BBC's Joseph Benamse in Bangui says the minister has been condemned by many for acting beyond his authority. However, he says, most people feel it will help reinforce women's rights in the country, where they are still subjected to abuses, violence and ill-treatment.
Some well-known songs, such as one which suggests men are suffering in the world because of women, are believed to be behind the minister's anger. Mr Ngouandjika also expressed his disappointment at newspapers that print articles that are misogynistic. "Any radio or newspaper that violates this decision will be seriously dealt with," he warned. "It is out of the question that music of misogynist character should be allowed to ride roughshod over questions of equality and the respect of the Central African woman," he said.
"The Central African woman is a key part of the country's development."