SA Elections 2009

The gender politics of leaders is a litmus test of their performance in government. Soon after President Jacob Zuma’s election in 2009, we wrote an open letter stating that Mr […]

Recent studies by Gender Links Botswana has revealed that ovr two thirds of women in Botswana (67) experience some form of gender violence in their life time.
The study says 44% of men admit to perpetrating violence against women . Roos van Dorp , Gender Links Program Officer told Global Post that while Botswana is doing enough to eliminate gender based violence , statistics still show that violence is still high and prevalent in the country.

South Africa’s April 2009 elections resulted in 45% women’s representation in Parliament, somewhat ironic given the fact that media coverage itself only featured 24% women sources and gender barely mentioned. Qualitative monitoring revealed numerous examples of gender stereotyping from the media, but also a wide range of positive coverage. Experience from the Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service demonstrates that a gender perspective can translate into unique stories interrogating issues of national interest to both women and men. As the key source of information for the electorate, it is important that media cover a broad rang of issues and perspectives, particularly related to the nation’s key priorities, and the priorities of both genders.

South African elections on 22 April significantly increased the numbers of women in Parliament. It is evident that women played a leading role in the nation’s elections, including comprising 55% of voters. Yet, entrenching a culture of gender equality must go beyond the numbers, so that South Africa is able to meet all targets set in the Protocol on Gender and Development by 2015.

A new women’s party has entered the fray of South African politics, hoping to give a voice to the nation’s women. Using next Wednesday’s election as a trial run for local government elections down the line, they may not be in it to win it, but they are providing a much needed platform for issues some say have been left off national agendas for far too long.

But reluctant transport minister returns gift anyway, to avoid “hassle”

Pictured are the new ministers of Jacob Zuma’s cabinet

Mood jovial despite boos from ANC members as new COPE MPs’ names called.

These commentaries present a gender-aware perspective on South Africa’s general elections in April 2009.

This series of opinion articles, published before and after South Africa’s general elections in 2009, discuss the fact that despite South Africa’s impressive record on gender parity in government, gender issues may not yet be meaningfully incorporated into government’s agenda.