Collecting, Connecting, Collaborating

The Gender and Media Diversity Centre (GMDC) is a physical and virtual resource centre that "facilitates the collection, connection and dissemination of information and resources relating to gender, media and diversity". SANGONeT is a member of the GMDC's advisory group.

At a meeting of the group on 20 February in Johannesburg, participants agreed that the success of the GMDC lies in deeper collaboration amongst academics, activists and journalists. Saeanna Chingamuka, GMDC coordinator presented some of highlights of the GMDC since its establishment including the acquisition and cataloguing of 634 hard copy publications for physical library, the development of a draft library policy, as well as the 'Great Debate' events. 

Executive director of Gender Links, Colleen Lowe Morna, speaking about efforts to ensure gender equality in and through the media said: "We can talk of a movement ... there has been alot of research done in knowledge institutions and universities and there is also great work that has been done by activists throughout the region."

Whether physically or virtually, the GMDC aims to "collect, connect and collaborate" on issues of gender and the media. Look out for developments in the upcoming months.