In Africa - Two views of a woman's status

For the most part, the American press is interested in reporting news about what goes on in the United States. World news tends to become important when it has an impact on Americans. But occasionally news from another part of the world shows us how much of the world's existence is starkly different.

Thus, the case of Amina Lawal of Nigeria has become a compelling news story around the world.

Lawal is 32 years old and divorced. After her divorce, she became pregnant and had a daughter. This would hardly be remarkable except for the fact that Islamic law has been introduced into Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa.

As a result of the imposition of Islamic law by the government of President Olusegun Obasango, who was elected in 1999 after 15 years of rule by a military junta, ethnic, religious and political strife have been rampant. It is estimated that at least 10,000 Nigerians have died as a result.

If an Islamic court had its way, Lawal would be among the dead. Having sex outside marriage is a capital offense under the strict religious code. She was convicted and sentenced to be buried up to her neck in sand and stoned to death.

Now the only thing keeping Lawal alive is the fact that her daughter, 1 1/2 years old, is still breast feeding. A religious appeals court ruled last week that Lawal's execution should be delayed until her daughter is weaned.

Even the prosecutor in the case apparently doesn't like the outcome of this case. After arguing last week that there is no question of Lawal's guilt, he said the prosecution "would not object if the court finds a good reason to set Amina free."

Millions of sympathetic supporters around the world agree. Amina Lawal has become a well-known name to religious and philanthropic organizations that are trying to convince the Nigerian government to put a halt to Lawal's death by stoning. Prayer groups around the globe are also seeking divine intervention.

Meanwhile, in the African nation of Botswana, a woman has become the paramount chief of the Balete community, the first time a woman has held such a high post. Masadi Seboko, about 50, is a former bank manager who was given the important role that also had been held by her father and brother.

A 70-year-old Botswanan said, "Now the time has come for a woman to be leader."

During the ceremony, she was given a spear by an uncle who said, "Use it if trouble comes, but it's best to use your mouth to fight."

Even within the continent of Africa, the role and status of women ranges from the high (a paramount chief) to the low (stoning a woman for having sex outside marriage). From a Western perspective, it would appear that Botswana is headed in the right direction, while Nigeria is not.

But the influence of religious codes is a powerful one that cannot be ignored. Understanding how religion can affect the daily lives of millions of people also provides an insight into those whose religion would cause them to lash out against the United States.