The Virtual Resource Centre (VRC) is an online trainers’ resource armory consisting of case studies and media clippings from around the Southern African region. This includes sources gathered during the Gender and Media Baseline Study (GMBS). Utilising the world wide web, examples from the Southern African region can now be broadcast throughout the world. The purpose of the VRC is to share local "majority" views on what may be considered "minority" perspecitves in the global media marketplace. Through the VRC, intersections across the region and between Northern and Southern can be forged.
The clippings archieve consists of clippings from local news, magazine, advertising campaigns and e-resources which may not be readily accesible outside of the country in which they are found. This resource allows viewers to browse sources that otherwise may stay country-bound.
The case studies present pertinent examples of gender and media diversity issues, teased out from various media models. These studies can be used for training purposes, or for anyone interested in delving deeper into the subjects and issues lurking behind "everyday" media.
Following the article the VRC service presents:
How an article may be used.
Trainers notes
Discussion questions
Training exercises
Links to other training resources
Related GL commentaries
Information in the VRC may be retrieved by using a combination of the following categories:
Country
Theme (e.g. environment, economics, abuse, etc.)
Skills (e.g. newsgathering, sub-editing., etc.)
Genre (e.g. feature, editorial, etc.)
GEM classification (This category refers to what aspect of gender does the article illustrate. Is it gender blind; gender aware or is it an example of a blatant or subtle stereotype?).
When criteria are selected a list of case studies is generated. When a case study is selected, a descripton of the articlewill be provided along with training exercises and a link to the actual article.
If you would like to contribute to the Virtual Resource Centre or comment on a case study please email editor@genderlinks.org.za
The article describes how President Jacob Zuma missed it when he justified his having sexual relations with daughters of his friends as being a ‘traditional African man’ [read more]
Women in politics make their mark and their presence is felt, but not by the media. “Political confrontations a sign of immaturity, says Kabonde,” is a news item reflecting the comments of Inspector General of Police, Francis Kabonde. He is of the opinion that police protection should not be afforded to people... [read more]
The two billboards picture two South Africans – a man and a woman – supposedly daydreaming about what they would like to be doing during the FIFA World Cup. Below is the statement, ‘We get you,’ followed by the logo for Hollard insurance. [read more]
The article describes how President Jacob Zuma missed it when he justified his having sexual relations with daughters of his friends as being a ‘traditional African man’
[read more]
Women in politics make their mark and their presence is felt, but not by the media. “Political confrontations a sign of immaturity, says Kabonde,” is a news item reflecting the comments of Inspector General of Police, Francis Kabonde. He is of the opinion that police protection should not be afforded to people... [read more]
The articles show gender and other vulnerable groups remain off the radar of HIV/AIDS change education programmes. They demonstrate the negative impact of assumptions and stigma. [read more]
The four Zapiro cartoons examine recent scandals surrounding South African President Jacob Zuma, particularly with regards to Zuma’s fathering a child out of wedlock, and his generally questionable sexual behaviour. The cartoons also reference a statement Zuma made during his 2008 rape case that he knew the woman... [read more]
The two articles “Baby Snatcher Jailed” and “Bid to Please Hubby Backfires” report a story of a Zimbabwean woman who received two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to kidnapping charges, after a baby went missing. A third article published by the GL Opinion and Commentary Service offers a more gender [read more]
