Early 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…
Imagine 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…
The 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…
This 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…
It 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…
In 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…