GL Opinion and Commentary Service
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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 Saeanna Chingamuka at editor@genderlinks.org.za.
*When publishing articles from the Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service, the Service must be cited.
Africa: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for AU's top job
27 January 12
Regional relevance: Africa
All eyes are on the 18th African Union (AU) Summit that is currently underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia until the 30th of January 2012. While the theme of the Summit is "Boosting Intra-African Trade", the election of the AU Commission Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson on 29 January will also take centre stage. [read more]
Africa: Transformative leaders must recognise LGBTI rights
25 January 12
Regional relevance: Africa
The acceptance of lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in Africa is a battle that is yet to be won. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of an evolving society. In conservative societies where LGBTI’s face discrimination, political and traditional leaders mustlead... [read more]
The curtain comes down on COP 17, we bow out!
09 December 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: International
As the curtain comes down on COP 17 today, 9 December 2011, the various players who came to deliberate on how best to assist in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts will be heading back home to the four corners of the world. Faith based organisations, mineworkers, rural women, economic justice activists,... [read more]
Open, accountable dialogue needed for climate solutions
09 December 11
Regional relevance: International
Global warming is indeed a global problem that requires global solutions. However, there are concerns about the attitude of some countries responsible for causing the problems. Developed countries make significant contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions (20 countries accounted for 72% of emissions between... [read more]
Small eco-business brings big changes for women
08 December 11
Regional relevance: International
The Sahara desert grows by the size of New Zealand every year, engulfing what was once fertile land and reducing the variety and volume of crops that can be grown in the Sahel region of Africa. Failing rains and unpredictable weather patterns mean that even in fertile areas crops often fail. [read more]
Young woman committed to overcome double suffering
08 December 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Mozambique
Two years ago I travelled from my village in Zavala, in Inhambane Province to Maputo, Mozambique´s capital, to undergo my third surgical fistula repair. I was 23 years old at the time and had been suffering from obstetric fistula for seven years, since the day I delivered a stillborn baby at my house with... [read more]
The pain of economic and emotional trauma
08 December 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Tanzania
I was born about forty years ago, the first born of four sisters. Like any Tanzanian, I studied in government schools, from pre-school to high school, and later I joined a college. I was among the well-educated educated women of the time, so getting married to an educated man was no problem for me. [read more]
Safe spaces needed for sports and fitness
08 December 11
Regional relevance: South Africa
Healthy mind, healthy body – the two are undoubtedly linked. Yet incidents of sexual harassment and gender violence can hold back girls and women passionate about sport and fitness, either for fun and health, or as a career. [read more]
Matatu reforms – small step that made a big difference
07 December 11
Regional relevance: Africa
In almost every country in Africa, women complain about sexual harassment in public spaces. Perhaps one of the worst spaces, and one that most women and girls can’t avoid, is on public transport. [read more]
Churches can help combat GBV
07 December 11
Regional relevance: Malawi
The church in Malawi is a respected source of information and an enforcer of a “moral code,” so it plays a pivotal role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Despite Malawi being a signatory of the 2008 SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and other gender-related protocols, the arduous task of... [read more]
