GL Opinion and Commentary Service
The Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service provides mainstream media with fresh perspectives on the news.
Initiated in 2003, the Service aims to produce ten opinion pieces each month from writers across Africa on topical news items. These articles are integrated into various media sources and are uploaded onto the GMDC website for online viewing.
This service provides an opportunity for contributers to speak their mind on a variety of relevant and often controversial subjects.
To view articles please scroll below or for specific search terms, click here
If you are interested in contributing to the service or publishing any of the articles, contact Danny Glenwright at editor@genderlinks.org.za.
*When publishing articles from the Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service, the Service must be cited.
One struggle that does not have to continue
31 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
As Women’s Month comes to a close, I hope this year’s celebration has provided us men an opportunity to reflect about our role in an ongoing struggle facing South Africans today. [read more]
Walking the walk on women’s rights
27 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional
Earlier this month in Namibia the Southern African Gender Protocol Alliance gathered to discuss our continued work to ensure the full adoption and implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development in the region. We are a group of women and men committed to keeping gender issues on the agenda in every... [read more]
Sex workers: the biggest losers at the World Cup
26 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
While many are still coming down from the excitement of the World Cup, Zodwa Sangweni* is one South African who was disappointed by how the much-hyped event turned out. [read more]
Women are more than just baby machines
24 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional
In one corner of sub-Saharan Africa a woman feels unworthy and dejected when she is dumped by two consecutive husbands because she cannot produce children. In another, a powerless woman who has already given birth to eight children is forced by her husband to bear even more. In yet another, a teenage girl is sold... [read more]
Naomi Campbell delivers a dirty message
23 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: Africa
I must admit that even I have not been following news from the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague, Netherlands. As a Sierra Leonean now living in London, I got sick of the dithering that marred the trial: the prosecution versus Charles Taylor. Taylor himself did not treat the charges with seriousness. On... [read more]
Landmines: the hidden threat
19 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: Mozambique
Esperança Chidzinga lives in the rural town of Chicualacuala in Mozambique’s Gaza province. Accessible only by a train that comes twice a week, the town is isolated and under-serviced. [read more]
Human trafficking did not end with the World Cup
18 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
The international journalists have all gone home, the pitches have been cleared and the screaming of fans is a distant memory. But in many cases the problems still remain. [read more]
This women’s month I’m learning to be me
10 August 10 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: South Africa
Have you ever walked past a car window and checked your reflection to make sure your hair looks just right? Perhaps spent an hour perfecting your make-up before you head out? Have you looked at Halle Berry's body and thought, “Ah, I wish I had that body?” [read more]
Photo Essay: Women speak out
06 August 10 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: South Africa
Every Wednesday more than 20 women from informal settlements in Johannesburg’s Ennerdale neighbourhood gather at the Extension nine local library to discuss their problems and support one another.
[read more]
Soccer is a microcosm of our society
06 August 10 | (0) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
South Africa is celebrating Women’s Month this August under the banner “Working together for equal opportunities and progress for all women: Forward to the decade of African women.” Yet if we look at soccer, we can see many subtle inequalities which are a true reflection of societal relations between women and... [read more]
