Sexual violence is a tactic of war, used to humiliate, dominate and instil fear. It is also increasingly being used as a tactic of terrorism. While the focus has largely been on women and girls as victims of sexual violence, boys and men are equally at risk.
African identities
African identities Challenging misconceptions: 7 myths on albinism
Albinism is one of the least understood conditions around the world. People with albinism face a number of problems, discrimination and violence because of the lack of understanding of albinism. We look at 7 common myths surrounding albinism, and challenge these misconceptions.
African identities Malawi bans witchdoctors and media adverts for herbalists to curb albino killings
In a landmark ruling, Malawi’s High Court has banned traditional healers from operating in the country to curb the attacks of albinos. The injunction, which comes with less than two weeks before the International Albinism Awareness Day, also bans the media from running advertisements on herbalists.
African identities Fighting for expression: how homosexuality is breaking out into Africa’s public life
While there are many things we can choose to deny as ‘un-African,’ homosexuality is no longer one of them. With issues of sexuality being brought up in the political, social, legal and economic sectors of society, it is now a matter, both private and public, that is very much part of our African fabric.
African identities Is it really a good idea to make racist behaviour a crime?
The South African government’s intention to pass new laws to criminalise racist behaviour and the glorification of apartheid is right-minded but wrong-headed.
African identities Seychelles parliament votes to decriminalize homosexuality
Seychelles’ Parliament this week voted to decriminalize sex between consensual gay and lesbian partners, a major victory for the Indian Ocean archipelago’s LGBT community. The Parliament passed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill. Prior to the vote, homosexuality was a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison
African identities WATCH: Jozi Cats, Africa’s first gay and inclusive competitive rugby club challenge stereotypes in campaign
Jozi Cats, Africa’s first gay and inclusive competitive rugby club is making waves. The club, based in South Africa aims to provide an opportunity for inclusive gay, straight and bisexual men to play the game and challenge stereotypes of what a rugby player is. The club recently launched a controversial campaign to recruit more players, and the initiative has gone viral.
African identities Google buckles and complies with Kenya’s Film Board request, flags gay video as “unnecessarily offensive to some”
Google has heeded calls by Kenya Film Classification Board to put a warning note on the controversial gay rights ‘Same Love’ video posted on YouTube. The disclaimer reads, “This video contains imagery and a message that may be unnecessarily offensive to some”.
African identities Sesotho culture wrapped up in the blanket of capitalism
I have liquid views about cultural appropriation versus appreciation. By virtue of living in a globalised world we are drawn to original designs as influenced by genuine interest, which is lovely. But, the lines blur when capitalism gains more than the people who give the product its identity and uniqueness