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The Gender Links (GL) Opinion and Commentary Service provides mainstream media with fresh perspectives on everyday news.
Initiated in 2003, the Service aims to produce ten opinion pieces each month from writers across Africa on topical news items. The articles are uploaded onto the GMDC website for online viewing and sent via the GL list - serve. The pieces are also sent to editors in the region and beyond for republishing in their newspapers and other media outlets.
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 English service or publishing any of the articles, contact Saeanna Chingamuka at editor@genderlinks.org.za. Contact Bayano Valy at lusophone@genderlinks.org.za if you are interested in Portuguese service and Marie - Annick Savripene at francophone@genderlinks.org.za for French service.
*When publishing articles from the Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service, the Service must be cited.
The payment of a bride price (lobola) is still a common feature of many marriages across Southern Africa. Recent research conducted by the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) found the tradition to be a major cause of gender violence including battering, marital rape, forced labour, tough jobs, and harassment... [read more]
"It was a Sunday morning when we received the call. One you dread, but almost seems inevitable in South Africa ? a friend?s flat was burgled and she had fended off a sexual assault?? This article relates one woman?s experience, exploring how this is just one example of a culture of disregard for her and other... [read more]
In Zimbabwe the notion of basic and quality service delivery has become a thing of the past. As the country?s economic crisis deepens, primary earners try to make ends meet while being dutiful citizens, paying their rates, electricity and water bills. In return they expect the regular and efficient delivery of... [read more]
Militaries in Southern Africa have recognised the need for understanding how the AIDS pandemic affects the effective functioning of their institutions. There is a concern that HIV and AIDS is a hindrance to the project of eradicating poverty and to development efforts. [read more]
It was women who were mostly affected: widows, pregnant and nursing mothers, mothers living with HIV/AIDS, single mothers, unemployed women and grandmothers caring for orphans. In conversation today, women invariably single out Murambatsvina as an event that profoundly impacted on their lives. They recount how they... [read more]
Many members of the Kenyan Parliament are concerned about a clause in the proposed Sexual Offences Bill that protects a rape accuser having his or her sexual history dredged up in court. Just like some of the reported reactions to the Zuma case, the arguments for or against the Bill have invoked terms and phrases... [read more]
The past few weeks have been characterised by heated debate and unfettered anticipation about the verdict of the Zuma rape trial. The matter has polarised the nation; not only across gender lines but also across class, ethnic and political lines. Having been in downtown Johannesburg when the verdict was announced, I... [read more]
We know that Jacob Zuma is a real man, 100% Zulu to boot. He can spot a woman interested in him a kanga away. Even his daughter was there to witness it, and she, of course, is completely objective and is only interested in the cold hard facts, as our esteemed judge was quick to recognise. Nothing subjective about a... [read more]
We have learned that men's violence against women is still explained away by crude victim blaming. Story after story in the media has shown us that women are still blamed for being raped if they do not forcibly resist, if they show their knees, if they talk about sex, if they have been previously raped, if they... [read more]
Shirley Ramalepa is not one to mince her words. In front of a packed audience last week consisting of the Deputy President, several deputy ministers, representatives of civil society, business and traditional leaders she described in graphic detail what it means to have various objects shoved up your vagina by your... [read more]
