Gender

Celebrate Global Female Condom Day

As we celebrate the second Global Female Condom Day on 16 September 2014, I join the celebrations with a wide smile and confidence, writes Nokhwezi Hoboyi.

Nokhwezi Hoboyi

News | 16 September 2014

Week in activism

This week in activism we cover the symposium on torture hosted by the Wits Justice Project, the march by Equal Education for better sanitation for schools in Gauteng, and the ‘What if Women’ challenge by WHEAT.

Thembela Ntongana

News | 11 September 2014

The week in activism

This week in political activism we look at calls for help from Grahamstown, the plight of coal communities, a symposium on gender equality, and documenting the struggles of four informal settlements in South Africa.

Thembela Ntongana

News | 27 August 2014

Women who beat the odds: Langa’s Nomzamo Mbete

72-year-old Nomzamo Mbete is determined to do her bit to help young township girls through dance.

Pharie Sefali

News | 21 August 2014

I am a sex worker …

Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) has staged a photo exhibition at its head office in Observatory, Cape Town, aimed at the ignorance and prejudice that comes with being labelled a sex worker.

Simbonile Mkwambi

News | 20 August 2014

Gay and not free in South Africa

A gay man from the DRC claims the Congolese community in South Africa will not rest until they kill him. Junior Miteo Kalonji, 34, wept hard as he talked about his life. GroundUp had to stop the interview three times when he broke down.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 19 August 2014

Women who beat the odds: Lydia Ntonga

Lydia Ntonga, 25, will not allow the loss of her eyesight to hold her back. With courage and help from Cape Town Society for the Blind and The League of Friends of the Blind she is determined to get what she wants from life.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 19 August 2014

South Africa leads in HIV prevention among gay groups

As homophobic discrimination continues to sweep across the African continent, we should be acutely mindful of the diverse ways it harms societies. While we are most aware of the direct effect homophobic physical violence has on sexual minority groups, it is also crucial that we be cognisant of the many insidious ways stigma and discrimination impact not only on sexual minorities but society at large.

Andrew Tucker

Opinion | 11 August 2014

“Homophobic police attack” to be investigated

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) this morning confirmed that it is investigating claims of police officers dragging a gay Congolese man to a back room of Claremont police station and beating him with metal poles.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 28 July 2014

The mountain is not for gays

For many South Africans, the practice of traditional circumcision is vital for males if they wish their community to regard them as men and no longer boys. For most it is a significant experience, but for some it can be unbearable.

Pharie Sefali

News | 23 July 2014

The week in political activism

This week we explore local protests against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza strip, a human rights awareness clinic, and a month-long campaign to expose rape culture.

Michelle Korte

News | 17 July 2014

Judges Matter: the process is broken, so let’s fix it

South Africa needs greater public participation in the appointment of judges, say members of the Judges Matter coalition formed last month.

Michelle Korte

News | 16 July 2014

Judges Matter: transforming the judiciary

Twenty-two civil society organisations have launched a coalition to lobby for transformation in the judiciary.

Michelle Korte

News | 15 July 2014

Refugees enduring prejudice twofold

Junior Nsamia Mayema, 25, of Democratic Republic of Congo and Flavirina Naze, 32, from Burundi are refugees and activists. They have endured both xenophobia and homophobia. It has also been challenging for them to integrate with the South African lesbian and gay community.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 27 June 2014

Too few gay men get involved, says Khayelitsha activist

Too few gay men engage in gay issues, gay activist Sibusiso Nquqeka of Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Project told the audience at a memorial service this week for two murdered women.

Pharie Sefali

News | 25 June 2014

Sex workers’ advocacy group demands justice from leading art auction house

Stephan Welz of art auction house Strauss & Co has apologised for suggesting that murder charges against artist Zwelethu Mthethwa might boost sales of his work.

Joy Shan

News | 30 May 2014