The New Dark Age

8 March 2013 — Pambazuka News

 

 

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Pambazuka News (English edition): ISSN 1753-6839

 

CONTENTS: 1. Features, 2. Announcements, 3. Comment & analysis, 4. Advocacy & campaigns, 5. Letters & Opinions, 6. Jobs

 

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1 Features

 

ONE BILLION WOMEN AND MEN RISING… For a better world Ama Biney

 

In honour of International Women’ Day (8 March), a global examination of the problems and issues facing women in the last few years is presented. In order for these issues to be eradicated, progressive women need to work alongside progressive men for a better world http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86501 ******

 

THE HIDDEN CRISIS: WOMEN, SOCIAL REPRODUCTION AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF CARE IN AFRICA Zo Randriamaro

 

The political economy of care centres on the unpaid work of African women in socially reproducing workers as well as caring for the sick in society. Social mobilization and policy actions to overcome the crisis of reproduction is necessary to address this unpaid work that is vital for the perpetuation of neoliberal capitalism. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86492 ******

 

AFRICAN WOMEN HOLDING ENVIABLE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Roland Bankole Marke

 

In honor of International Women’s Day the achievements of some remarkable African women in politics, business and literature are celebrated in defiance of the stereotypical depictions of African women http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86493 ******

 

A DEFINING MOMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA The Oscar Pistorious case Awino Okech

 

Through the legal case of Oscar Pistorious there is a powerful and dangerous interplay of race, class and gender. It is time that all crimes against women are dealt the seriousness they deserve. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86491 ******

 

DEEPER ISSUES IN VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Nidhi Tandon

 

Victim protection is a critical response measure, but women need to address systemic issues. They need to challenge systems that undermine their ability to participate in decision making and their control over resources http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86496 ******

 

REMINISCENCES OF PHYLLIE Michael Neocosmos

 

Phyllis Naidoo (January 5, 1928 – Feb 13, 2013) was an extra-ordinary South African freedom fighter for whom politics meant total commitment to humanity. After ANC came to power she was deeply disappointed by betrayal of the struggle http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86498 ******

 

COMRADE CHAVEZ WON’T GO Farooque Chowdhury

 

The death of President Chavez is a big loss not only to Venezuelans but also to everyone who believes in the essential struggle to create a just society for all. But his revolution, 21st century socialism as he called it, will live on http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86487 ******

 

CHINA IN AFRICA: ‘IMPERIAL POWER’ OR ‘ALTRUIST’? Babette Zoumara

 

Contrary to the claims of critics, China’s partnership with Africa is based on sincere friendship, equality and mutual respect for the sovereignty through non-interference in domestic affairs and the offer of loans and grants http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86485 ******

 

MAKING A BAD CASE WORSE A response to Human Rights Watch’s update on Chinese copper mining in Zambia Barry Sautman and Yan Hairong

 

‘Rather than conduct a genuine comparative study, HRW sees what it wants to see and thus again fosters the entirely predictable result of feeding anti-Chinese sentiment in Zambia’ http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86497 ******

 

OBAMA OFFICIAL GIVES INSIGHTS ON US CONGO POLICY Kambale Musavuli

 

The US insists on greater attention and response to the crisis in the DRC. However, it appears that the Obama administration continues to operate on the notion that ‘quiet diplomacy’ is the best way forward when it comes to holding its allies Rwanda and Uganda accountable for their role in destabilizing the country http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86489 ******

 

SIERRA LEONE: DEMOCRACY WITHOUT OPPOSITION Sankara Kamara

 

With a toothless official opposition, Sierra Leone seems to be slowly slipping back into a one-party state. President Koroma hasn’t locked up his critics, but he is adept at undermining democracy by cannibalizing the opposition through state-induced defections http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86500 ******

 

CLEAN SLATE IDEOLOGY AND AFRICA‘S CIRCULAR POLITICS Messay Kebede

 

Following the deeply destructive experience of colonialism, Africans must rethink their approach to modernization. Notably, they must engage in a serious critical review of the prevailing colonial model and creatively find grassroots forms of modernization http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/86499 ******

 

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2 Announcements

 

OXFORD SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES

 

The University of Oxford is pleased to announce five scholarships for candidates from developing African Commonwealth countries to study for the part-time Masters in International Human Rights Law, starting September 2013.

 

The scholarships are jointly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and provide course and college fees over two years, return air travel from the scholar’s home country and a stipend to cover living costs.

 

For further information, please visit our website ( http://humanrightslaw.conted.ox.ac.uk/MStIHRL/index.php ) and choose Fees and Funding for details of the scholarships. ******

 

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3 Comment & analysis

 

CARTER G. WOODSON, THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC., AND THE MAKING OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH Judson L. Jeffries

 

While Woodson is the Father of Black History, he is not the ‘founder’ of Black History Month per se. That distinction belongs to The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/86503 ******

 

MANGALISO SOBUKWE: THE LESSONS OF HIS LIFE Veli Mbele

 

Sobukwe was an indefatigable Pan-Africanist, theoretician and revolutionary humanist who selflessly dedicated his life to one thing only — the liberation of humanity and, in particular, the liberation of black people http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/86502 ******

 

TOWARDS CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM IN LIBERIA Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei

 

A new constitution that sets and sustains a foundation for democratic governance and provides for a balanced distribution of power is the solution to the governance and developmental challenges of the Liberian state http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/86504 ******

 

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4 Advocacy & campaigns

 

A PETITION TO LEADERS, POLICE AND CITIZENS It is everyone’s responsiblity to condemn and stop rape Center for Domestic Violence Prevention

 

Although Ugandan laws are clear that everyone has a right to dignity and safety, increasing numbers of rape and defilement are being reported http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/86506 ******

 

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH A call to end violence against women and children African Monitor

 

Archbishop Ndungane urges particularly men and boys to say enough is enough, and to give dignity back to South Africa’s women and girls http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/86505 ******

 

FIGHTING FORCED REPARTRIATION Callixte M Kavuro

 

Rwandan refugees in South Africa make a presentation on cessation clause to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/86509 ******

 

SUDAN: THE DEADLY SILENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Osman Naway

 

The regime in Khartoum is killing its own people through bombardment, starvation, detention and torture. Someone needs to stop this tragedy, now. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/86508 ******

 

THE AUTHORITY TO RAPE? Laila Ali

 

‘I’ve interviewed too many women who live in constant fear of getting shot or raped, often by the very people charged with protecting them’ http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/86507 ******

 

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5 Letters & Opinions

 

BRITISH EX-PM BLAIR‘S CAMPAIGN FOR RWANDA Theogene Rudasingwa

 

‘The pretense that everyone is wrong about Rwanda’s involvement with M23 except President Kagame, Tony Blair and Howard Buffet is in itself a symptom of the corrupting power of money and unchallenged political influence’ http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/86510 ******

 

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6 Jobs

 

JOB ADVERT: CAMPAIGNER – NORTH AFRICA Amnesty International

 

( http://careers.amnesty.org ) We’re looking for a Campaigner to contribute to our campaign against human rights violations in North Africa. Working at the International Secretariat, you will contribute to a range of projects, including Amnesty International’s response to the momentous changes in North Africa witnessed in 2011 and 2012. You will act as a focal point, providing advice and support to our worldwide membership, including devising campaigning strategies, preparing written and other campaigning materials and providing research support. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/86480 ******

 

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Fahamu – Networks For Social Justice http://www.fahamu.org

 

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