Contact information: phone: 27.11.622.2877; e-mail: gmdc@genderlinks.org.za

Organization: Gender Links was created in March 2001.

Organization’s biography: Gender Links (GL) is a Southern African non-governmental organization (NGO), based in South Africa, that promotes gender equality and justice across the fourteen countries of the region. It is committed to creating a region in which women and men are can participate equally in all aspects of public and private life in accordance with the provisions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development. Described in an external evaluation as a “small organization with large footprints,” GL has grown from humble beginnings to being named a recipient of the 2007 “Drivers of Change Award” made by the Mail and Guardian newspaper and the Southern African Trust. GL works in four programs: gender and media; gender justice; gender and local government; and SADC gender protocol.

Mott grants since 2009: Six grants totaling $394,000 since 2002.

What Gender Links is doing during the World Cup: We are running a “Score a Goal for Gender Equality” campaign – aimed at raising awareness of the topic of gender by producing publications and hosting seminars. GL plans to run a gender wire that will offer news on gender and World Cup during the games and afterward. We have already produced radio spots about human trafficking and will host a soccer 2010 World Cup seminar after the games conclude.

My most meaningful place in South Africa: Grahamstown, “the city of saints,” holds a special place in my heart. Located 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Port Elizabeth, the town has maintained its beauty and quiet environment. It is home to Rhodes University, one of the best universities in South Africa. The weather is such that you can experience all four seasons in one day! Best of all, there is the annual National Arts Festival which brings diverse arts and culture together. If you have not been to this town, that festival alone is reason to make the trip. Also, it’s quite magical to see the small town at night from the view of the 1820 Settlers National Monument.

Organization contact info:

9 Derrick Avenue       
Cyrildene, Johannesburg, South Africa

Phone: 27.11.622.2877
E-mail: execassistant@genderlinks.org.za
Web site: www.genderlinks.org.za/