We have detected that the browser you are using is no longer supported. As a result, some content may not display correctly.
We suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of any of the following browsers:
close notification
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.
It is ironic that as South Africans celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Constitution this week, a young woman who dared to lay a charge of rape against the man who would be president prepared to surrender that most basic of rights: her citizenship.
[read more]
South Africa is a post-conflict society as well as a democracy in so far as suffrage but whether we are addressing the ills of the past is yet to be determined. This is clearly illustrated by the Zuma trial which has highlighted several issues that made me ponder as to how long will it take for South Africans to... [read more]
South Africans are waiting with bated breath for judgment in the Zuma case that will be televised across the nation, possibly as early as 8 May. No matter what the verdict, a stark reality will remain. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our Constitution, its lofty provisions are still just so many words for... [read more]
Despite the fact that the amicus application was ultimately unsuccessful its benefit is that the very issues that the amici wanted to put before the court are now firmly in the public domain and will hopefully continue to influence and contribute to the public debate about the case and the broader issues around... [read more]
I write per the direction of the National Gender Machinery and behalf of my sisters and colleagues, in the hope that you find solace in knowing that you have our support in your continued and brave quest to access your democratically guaranteed rights. [read more]
It is clear is that many rape survivors who have been watching the Zuma rape trial unfold in the media will think twice about reporting rape and subjecting themselves to a process that fails to protect them and uphold their dignity. [read more]
South African women have made history in the just ended local government elections, with representation up from 29 percent in 2000 to 40 percent in the 1 March polls. The steady increase in the proportion of women in local government (that began at 19 percent in the first local elections in 1995) now places women in... [read more]
It is with little irony that a South African peacekeeper is on trial accused of allegedly abusing (and killing) a Burundian minor, the same week that the man who was the architect of Burundi?s peace is on trial for rape in the Johannesburg High Court. If there are analogies to be drawn, it must be between the link... [read more]
When a woman called in to a South African radio talk show to give her opinion on the high profile Schabir Shaik trial and how this had turned the spotlight on then Deputy President Jacob Zuma, the host her whether she understood political issues. This question however, was not posed to any of the predominantly male... [read more]
Media is about money. This is a truth that is often forgotten in the sometimes idealistic discussions about freedom of expression, fair representation of minority groups, the development of culture and community and indeed, about diversity. [read more]
