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.
Zambia: Youths don’t want to inherit a depleted Africa
30 August 11 | (1) Comment
Regional relevance: Zambia
Little is currently being done by government and other stakeholders to ensure that Africa’s youth play an active role in mitigating the effects of climate change. One thing is for sure: if they are not involved in coming up with solutions, today’s youth will inherit a depleted Africa. [read more]
South Africa: Sex, drugs and women’s rights
17 August 11 | (2) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
Drug and alcohol abuse is escalating internationally with recent evidence showing that substance abuse is on the rise outside of the western industrialised world, and not only among marginalised groups. [read more]
South Africa: A humorous perspective on the serious issue of women's rights
08 August 11
Regional relevance: South Africa
Imagine if, in celebration of Women's Month, men and women could switch places for just a short while, to experience life in the other's shoes? Women in South Africa face one of the highest rates of gender violence in the world. If abusers could experience violence first hand, even for just a day, would it open... [read more]
Women's Day: Overcoming a different apartheid
08 August 11
Regional relevance: South Africa
It is an image that has become the symbol of youth resistance to political oppression. A young man, Mbuyisa Makhubo, runs through the streets of Soweto cradling the limp body of a boy, Hector Pieterson, clad in school uniform, blood oozing from his mouth. The boy’s sister, Antoinette Sithole, runs along with the... [read more]
South Africa: Sowetan furore casts shadow over Women’s Month
05 August 11
Regional relevance: South Africa
I am confused and disappointed about the public discourse and happenings in this special August month of women. [read more]
Southern Africa: Better education will help fight unsafe abortions
01 August 11 | (4) Comments
Regional relevance: Regional
It is estimated that at least 5.5 million unsafe abortions occur in Africa every year and about 40% of the women die as a result of complications due to these procedures. Abortion, unless it is done for medical purposes, remains illegal in most of the region. [read more]
Africa: There is a role for SADC women in South Sudan
28 July 11
Regional relevance: Africa
After decades of marginalisation, South Sudanese women may soon be able to lead a normal life now that their country has gained independence and ended years of conflict with North Sudan. [read more]
South Africa: Soap operas don’t have to reinforce negative stereotypes
26 July 11 | (10) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
All soap operas have similar themes, characters and story lines: there is always a villain, a town gossip, a rich family, a poor family, never-ending love triangles, murder, sex and scandal. But what has also always been familiar about soap operas is their perpetuation of negative stereotypes in a very unrealistic... [read more]
International: HIV rates mounting among African diaspora
18 July 11
Regional relevance: International
While HIV prevalence rates are dropping in many parts of Africa they are on the rise within African communities in other parts of the world and experts think gender roles and harmful cultural practices are to blame. [read more]
South Africa: Helping give life back
13 July 11 | (6) Comments
Regional relevance: South Africa
I picked up the pieces. I got back on my feet. I started to live. I took care of my self. I got a boyfriend. I told him my status and he accepted me the way I am. Later we got married. I had gained a lot of education about HIV and AIDS. I had learned that there was life after HIV, that I could live fully like... [read more]
