The Speak publication: An introductory history
In 1982 the members of the Durban Women's Group (DWG) decided to launch a newsletter to further their dream that the struggle against apartheid would also bring about the liberation of women. The founders were Sandy Africa, Monica Agulhas, Sheila Jalobe, Gugu Mji, Pregs Govender, Vanessa Taylor, Karen Hurt, Shamim Meer and Jane Quinn. It was also decided that the publication would be independent from the DWG, which would ensure its longevity beyond the existence of the organisation.
Speak started out as a newsletter and grew into the first progressive, alternative national women's magazine. The first edition was published in 1982 and covered issues such as health, parenthood, working conditions and education. This set the tone of the magazine for the next 12 years. It provided a space where especially Black women could talk about issues that influenced their lives, and provided a platform from where women could develop and refine their demands for the time of liberation. It was also intended to inspire women in the struggle against apartheid and gender discrimination.
The editorial of the first edition of Speak stated that:
“Speak is a publication mainly for women. It deals with topics of interest to all people, we hope, but especially those which are useful and interesting to women. So, Speak is about women – their work in factories, homes and communities; their lives and problems, including their health, transport, housing, etc. Many of these problems apply to all people, but we are interested in the particular way they affect women, and the way in which women can and do respond to them. One way of raising these issues is through writing. We want this publication to reach women, and express their problems, thoughts and issues.”
The first issue was distributed in Zulu and English, the two languages spoken by the women in the group. Only 400 copies were distributed through women's groups and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. This resulted in the magazine being distributed in bulk through trade unions and its continued growth.
Speak remained in print from 1982 to 1994. It was widely read by men and women in trade unions, community and political organisations, and discussed liberation from political oppression as well as women's role in society and their liberation from gender oppression.
In 1988 a second Speak office was opened in Johannesburg, which was followed by a distribution agreement with a national magazine and newspaper distributor in 1990/1991. In 1992 Speak also branched out into radio by recording audio tapes that were distributed to emerging community radio stations.
Due to the loss of key staff and recruitment problems during 1994 both Speak magazine and Speak radio were closed at the end of that year.
Speak articles:
Sources:
Meer, S (ed) 1998. Women Speak: reflections on our struggles 1982-1997. Cape Town: Kwela Books.
http://disa.nu.ac.za/journals/jourspexpand.htm
