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: A gender perspective on solar energy drawbacks
07 December 11
Regional relevance: International
Even as African countries join the rest of the world in Durban, South Africa to evaluate the impact of climate change on livelihoods, there are concerns about the use of solar energy, rapidly gaining popularity in African countries, which was once heralded as an environmental solution to energy needs. [read more]
Weather reports key to Africa's climate changes' adaptation
07 December 11
Regional relevance: International
“This is your weather forecast and I am Nguatah Francis.” In the 90s, Kenyans were accustomed to hearing this introductory statement at the tail end of the state broadcast news. Little changed over the years about the timing or format of the weather reports, maybe that contributed to why Kenyans attached little... [read more]
Finding gender in the COP 17 negotiations
07 December 11
Regional relevance: International
“Women instinctively know what the effects of climate change are,” said the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and incumbent COP 17 President, Maite Nkoane Mashabane. Mashabane was speaking at the opening of a high-level meeting on Women Leaders’ Commitments on Gender and Climate... [read more]
One village tells Africa's climate story
07 December 11
Regional relevance: Africa
As part of a team implementing a project on climate change adaption in the Lake Kyoga plains in Pallisa District, Eastern Uganda, I have seen first-hand how climate change affects agro-pastoral communities. For anyone who is doubtful, or who mistakenly still thinks that climate change is something to worry about in... [read more]
Women demand inclusion in efforts to save forests
07 December 11
Regional relevance: International
The lives of women and forests are closely intertwined. Women use trees for wood fuel, as a source for herbal medicine, gum, fodder, wax, honey and fruits. Forests assist in poverty alleviation, as women can sustain their families by selling their fruits. Women also use trees as shade and windbreakers in their... [read more]
Migrants face indifference and harassment
06 December 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: South Africa
Every once in while, xenophobia against men and women from other African countries living in South Africa hits the headlines. Recently, there were threats in AlexanderTownship, and not too long ago, Somali businesses were the target. And of course, everyone remembers the tragic events of May 2008, when global... [read more]
Public hospitals, my nightmare!
06 December 11
Regional relevance: DRC, South Africa
I was sitting in an old bench at a public hospital in Hillbrow for almost 4 hours. It was almost 2pm and being heavily pregnant, I was nervous and tired. People were going in and out of the doctor’s office. Nobody was calling my name. What was more frustrating is that women who came right after me were invited to... [read more]
Abandoned with my children in a foreign land
06 December 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Africa
It has been four years since my husband abandoned me in this country without any source of income for food, shelter, clothing, or other needs for my three children and me. We had been married for ten years when he left without any warning. How can I ever trust another man, if a man who seemed to love and care for us... [read more]
Too tired for school
06 December 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Mozambique
When she was orphaned at 7 years, Margarida Tomas* quickly changed roles from a child into a “woman.’” Following the death of her parents, she went to live with her aunt in the Mozambican capital Maputo. Her aunt Anita convinced the girl’s other relatives that she would take care for her and send her to... [read more]
Things fall apart: climate change eroding gender progress?
06 December 11
Regional relevance: Zimbabwe
Climate change at face value may seem to have nothing to do with gender based violence. But there are a few poignant points to think about, especially when considering the Zimbabwean scenario. [read more]
