ArticlesMediaGender-based ViolenceDebating Change: Having More Women in Parliament Doesn't Necessarily Mean That More Importance Is Being Placed on Women's NeedsEarly proponents of democracy firmly believed that women, like lunatics, servants, slaves and children needed neither the vote nor representation on governance structures. Not only were they convinced that women's interests could be safely subsumed under those of male family members, but they were also quick to argue that women's fragile, emotional natures rendered them incapable of moral reasoning, delivery… Read More CSVRAugust 5, 2005
ArticlesMediaTransitional JusticeIn Search of the "Disappeared": Taking the Campaign to AfricaImagine your loved one simply "disappeared". You approach the local authorities and are met with blank stares. Years later you are still searching, wondering what happened to them or whether they are still alive. "Disappearances" have long been used as a brutal tactic of repressive regimes. In Africa, it has been documented that disappearances have taken place in 25 out… Read More CSVRAugust 4, 2005
PublicationsResearchMemory and Memorialisation, Transitional JusticeMemorialization and Reconciliation in Transitional Southern African SocietiesThe purpose of the subsequent report is to assess the role of memorialization in the process of transition from colonial rule to independence (Namibia, Zimbabwe), from apartheid to non-racist democracy (South Africa), from colonial rule and post-colonial dictatorship (Malawi), or from colonial rule and post-colonial civil war (Mozambique) to peaceful, multiparty political contest for majority support. Read More CSVRJuly 1, 2005
ArticlesMediaPolicing, Violence PreventionOnce More to the BarricadesThis week's anniversary of June 16th 1976 is an appropriate time at which to reflect on questions of the state response to the recent wave of protests. The brutal police response to the 1976 demonstrations set off a wave of unrest during which, according to the official enquiry which followed, 451 people were killed by police. With June 1976, the… Read More CSVRJune 15, 2005
ArticlesMediaChildren and Youth, Peacebuilding, Transitional JusticeFear, Terror and the Spoils of Power: Youth Militias in ZimbabweIt is when fear becomes part of the social fabric of society that the spoils of abused power become most lucrative. Amidst reports of decreased levels of physical violence in the run up to the 31 March election in Zimbabwe some claim that here at least ZANU-PF is making a difference. But this 'new' level of violence is only relative… Read More CSVRMarch 1, 2005
ArticlesMediaCorrectional Services, Gender-based ViolenceBehind the Bars of South African Prisons: Gendered Roles and Vulnerability of Male InmatesIn South African prisons, different kinds of sexual interactions and relationships take place between men. The majority of these are abusive, exploitative, and involve rape and various degrees of coercion. Newcomers to prison are especially vulnerable because they are unfamiliar with the "rules" of inmate culture and are easily manipulated. Seasoned inmates regard them as sources of material goods including… Read More CSVRFebruary 1, 2005
