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For the March issue, Vogue invited a number of models. They felt these models could diversify the cover and appeal to all members of the public. The magazine received backlash about the fact that there was only one plus size model on the cover. It didn't help that she was also hiding part of her thigh with her arm. The magazine was blamed for discriminating against women of a fuller figure.  I think that instead of always finding the bad in things we read and see, we should find the positive. Notice how the cover has models from different parts of the world. They aren't all American. Therefore it does showcase diversity and beauty. Link:www.popsugar.com/fashion/Vogue-Model-Cover-March-2017-43136226

The water crisis affects women more than it does men. This was discussed at the Women and Water dialogue that took place in Cape Town. The aim was to find solutions on how to better the situations women face on a daily basis. Nabeelah Mia a member of the Sonke Gender Justice, shared that the lack of water would have a negative impact on the health and hygiene needs of women. Women have particular needs that without access to water, they would experience discomfort and distress. Sandile Ngobeni a researcher for the Commission for Gender Equality brought forward how the government does not efficiently deal with the health and sanitation needs for women. He voiced that it is an injustice to have free condoms placed in public toilets yet sanitary towels are not present. I deeply support the argument that droughts do impact women more than men, however it does not mean that the needs of men are not significant. Sanitary towels should be free because a women do not choose ...

The parliament met at a summit to discuss the legislation of sex workers in South Africa. The Sexual Offences Act 1957 currently forbids prostitution. At the summit sex work was referred to as prostitution, which in turn offended the sex workers. They feel that by referring to sex work as work then everyone else will recognise it as work. Some think that the decriminalisation of sex work will be very costly to the state, and feel that prostitution harms one mentally, emotionally and physically. To emphasise their point the sex workers went on to say that sex workers go into sex work willingly whilst sex trafficking is being forced into prostitution. Every women should be treated with respect and should be allowed to do as she pleases with her body. With that said I feel that sex work or prostitution is dangerous and demeaning to women, they are at risk when on the job. Sex work should not be decriminalised as it would stir up conversation and unwanted violence towards sex ...

Remaining silent is not an option anymore. Dr Kiran Sukeri, a psychiatrist at the Tower Psychiatric Hospital in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape shares these sentiments about the treatment of patients at the institution. Knowing that  telling this story would put his job, his family and himself in danger, the Dr felt the need to try and help the patients due to the countless deaths that have been happening. Which were all hidden by the government. At least 4 patients have died at the institution in January alone. Other claims include: Patients are kept in solitary confinement with only a bucket for a toilet if they become 'restless', so much that one other patient wrapped his legs in a sheet and set himself on fire. They are served poor quality food, one sardine can per 10 patients. Their clothes are ragged and old, despite the million rand clothing budget. This is obviously a very inhumane way to live, since when is being mentally ill a death s...

'Inxeba' is an award winning film which has recently been banned by South Africa's Film and Publication Board. For all those who were genuinely interested in the movie, it means that it is now illegal to view the movie publicly nor privately. The movie is about finding and exploring your true self and sexuality but others have taken the whole interpretation of freedom of self and have made it a cultural abomination. In the Eastern Cape many Xhosa people, mostly men, took to the cinemas in an outrage to stop the movie from being viewed by anyone. Nakhane Toure, the main actor of the film has received numerous threats due to his role in the movie and his sexuality in real life. As he is a homosexual man. I think the question we should be asking is why. Why are black people, to be precise, why is the Xhosa culture against the screening of this movie? Writing from a Xhosa persons point of view, I feel that our culture is beautiful and it should be celebrated. There...