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: Breadwinners and health winners in the fight against HIV
31 October 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Africa
It is a well- known fact that more women than men know their HIV status and that it would be great if more men went for testing. What is not so well known -and I speak from personal experience- are the inner struggles that men have to confront before going for testing.
So many men are still dead scared of the... [read more]
International: 50/50 campaign needs to extend to Nobel Prizes!
18 October 11
Regional relevance: International
The recognition of three women in the Nobel Peace Prizes announced earlier this month came as a welcome variation to the long list of male names, but it also begged the question why women so rarely get the prize, and why when they do, they have to share it. All three of these are undoubtedly fighters for peace who... [read more]
Southern Africa: Zambia misses the 5050 by 2015 target
05 October 11
Regional relevance: Regional
At the very moment that women's representation in parliament should be shooting up, Zambia took a nose dive in its recent elections in which women's representation plummeted from 15% to 11.3%. Zambia is now one of the several Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries that will not achieve the gender... [read more]
Southern Africa: Congratulations Mr Sata, but too few women are in your boat!
05 October 11 | (5) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional, Zambia
My letter to you is based on what the Patriotic Front (PF) manifesto for 2011-2016 says about the plight of Zambian women. You rightfully acknowledge that the “gender policy has been a complete failure as women have continued to be marginalised or excluded from the mainstream decision making organs.” I remember... [read more]
Africa: Celebrating Professor Wangari Muta Maathai
29 September 11 | (5) Comments
Regional relevance: Africa
As I searched for quotes by Maathai on the Internet, I came across one that says “African women in general need to know that it's OK for them to be the way they are – to see the way they are as a strength, and to be liberated from fear and from silence.” For me, this is the quote that resonates most with... [read more]
Southern Africa: Breaking the silence on ritual killings
26 September 11 | (3) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional
Ritual killings and human sacrifice happen in many, if not all countries in Africa. Cases have been reported in such countries as Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Zambia, there have been cases whereby people’s heads were found in Asian owned shops whilst in Swaziland, some... [read more]
Southern Africa: We must protect women from cyber violence
16 September 11 | (2) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional
There is more to cyber violence than pornography, which seems to be the most talked about form of online violence against women. We need to actively engage women and civil society organisations on these other issues, such as emotional abuse, cyber-stalking and identity theft. The anonymity of the internet provides... [read more]
South Africa: Domestic violence must be included in crime stats
13 September 11
Regional relevance: South Africa
Last week South African Police Minister Nathi Mthetwa released annual crime statistics for 2010-2011. On average, crime has decreased and the murder rate dropped by 6.5%. However, it was shocking to read there was a 5.6% increase in the number of women murdered last year. This while police claim violence against... [read more]
Southern Africa: The terrifying epidemic of body enhancement junkies
05 September 11 | (7) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional
In the 1980’s, many African women had black patches on their cheeks due to the side effects of a popular skin lightener on the market at that time. The largest numbers of people using skin lighteners in Southern Africa are women. However, men also use the products in places like the Democratic Republic of the... [read more]
South Africa: Is any month a woman's month?
03 September 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: South Africa
Every August, some Thabo, Dickson or Harrington asks, “Why do we have Women's Month? Every month is women’s month.” The likes of Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph would turn in their graves. [read more]
