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.
Facebook insecurities lead to abuse
29 November 11
Regional relevance: Africa
Three months after giving birth to my son, I discovered that we were both HIV positive. My boyfriend, the baby’s father, tried to blame me. At that time, we lived 400kms away from each other. He had already told me that his sexual desires were causing him to go and seek satisfaction outside our relationship, but... [read more]
International: Rape is no game
29 November 11
Regional relevance: International
This time last year a sordid cell phone video recording of a young woman allegedly being raped on the grounds of Jules High School hung heavily over the Sixteen Days of Activism campaign that runs from 25 November to 10 December.
This year, the case of a face book rapist, who gloated about his crimes in this social... [read more]
International: The cathedral or the bazaar - making sense of COP 17
29 November 11
Regional relevance: International
Durban, 29 November: I have not seen the sun in days. It has been threatening grey skies in Durban, South Africa since we arrived on 27 November. Torrential rains and flash flooding have killed about five people in the townships in the last few days. This has not pushed the UN Conference on Climate Change - COP 17 -... [read more]
International: Women, climate change and migration
29 November 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: International, South Africa
Durban 29 November: The dramatic changes to weather patterns as a result of climate change will have dire consequences on agriculture, the major source of food and income for Africa's small scale farmers, the majority of whom are women. Millions of people will be forced to migrate as they seek better living... [read more]
South Africa: Youth go for green opportunities
29 November 11
Regional relevance: International, South Africa
Durban, 29 November: What comes to mind when you hear the words "climate change"? Uncertain weather patterns, torrential rains, storms and dry spells? Chronic food shortage and a rise in temperatures that might cause serious health problems? The coming together of more than 20000 people from across the globe to... [read more]
Africa: Refusing to sink like the titanic!
29 November 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Africa
The world and its inhabitants are like the gigantic Titanic ship and its passengers on that fateful night on 15 April 1912. Due to human error and miscalculation on that night, the “ship of dreams” accidentally hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean leading to its sinking and leaving thousands dead and a handful... [read more]
Climate change can cause domestic conflict
28 November 11
Regional relevance: Malawi
Leading up to the COP17 Climate Change conferences now underway in Durban, South Africa, there has been many discussions about how the changing climates affect Africa. While most conversations centre on the increasing occurrence and severity of extreme weather, the impact on crops and food security, and the future... [read more]
International: It is high time FBOs start representing women's interests
28 November 11
Regional relevance: International, South Africa
FBOs have a huge following, reach and moral sway not least among women who form a significant proportion of congregations, and bear the major brunt of climate catastrophes. While FBO’s lead the call for climate justice, however, they remain steeped in patriarchal cultures and practices.
Women need to be... [read more]
Thirty Five Years of emotional imprisonment
28 November 11
Regional relevance: Swaziland
I was repeatedly sexually abused at the age of seven by my stepbrother who was around 16 years at that time. My mother would send us to a neighbour’s home and on our way back my step brother would push me into the bush and rape me. Oh my God as I write I remember the exact scenes ....God help me narrate the story... [read more]
Application of laws perpetuate gender-based violence in Malawi
28 November 11
Regional relevance: Malawi
Inconsistent application of laws and the reluctance of courts to hand out maximum sentences seems to be sending a message that gender based violence is not a serious issue to contend with in Malawi. Such actions by the courts undoubtedly contribute to sustaining the problem, as perpetrators think that they can act... [read more]
