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.
Les allégations d'infidélité peuvent mener très loin. Surtout quand on a affaire à un conjoint excessivement jaloux. Johnny n'oubliera pas de sitôt ce qu'il a fait endurer à sa compagne, Josiane, en pleines festivités du Nouvel an. [read more]
It was when one of my news articles - on male circumcision - returned with track changes substituting the word “penis” with “male organ” that I decided that I would have to rethink my strategy and stop writing for newspapers stuck in archaic and conservative ideology.
[read more]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
