Delegates attending the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Higher Education Dialogue called for action to tackle issues of GBV head-on.

Held on the Bellville Campus this week, the dialogue was organised by the Division of Student Affairs in partnership with the Institutional Transformation Unit in response to the recent spate of sexual assault, GBV and femicide incidents perpetrated against women in higher education institutions.

The dialogue was attended by student leaders and staff members of CPUT, the University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University and gender activists. Also in attendance were officials from the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology as well as the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE).

Prem Coopoo, CPUT’s Dean of Students, said GBV was the new silent pandemic that required everyone to be activists in their homes. “The real solution to GBV lies with men, men should tell perpetrators that they will expose them,” said Coopoo.

She added that various forms of support should be given to victims of GBV and that the greatest travesty of justice is when anyone approaches victims of rape and GBV to withdraw charges against their perpetrators.

CPUT Central SRC President, Sipho Mokoena, lamented the fact no one speaks to the rapist but women are taught to avoid rape by wearing certain type of clothing and walking in certain places at certain times.

Sixolile Ngcobo, CGE’s Provincial Manager, said now was the time to take action and for individuals to realise that solutions to GBV begin with their actions and reactions.

Co-ordinator: Gender Non-Violence at Stellenbosch University, Thembelihle Bongwana, observed that women had once in their lives been forced to perform sexual favours for men in order to even enter the higher education space both for learning and accommodation purposes.

“In the context of our institutions of higher learning, it is quite imperative that we call for heightened oversight and review of existing policies, and disciplinary codes, and bridge the gap in much-needed policy reform through our Institutional Forums, and this can only happen if it is championed by chancellors, Rectorates, DVCs, Faculty Deans, Senior Management Teams and other Statutory Bodies.”

Dr Navindhra Naidoo, Emergency Medical Sciences senior lecturer at CPUT, asserted that hegemonic masculinity perpetuated the dominant social position of men and the subordinate social position of women

Written by Kwanele Butana
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change (CDISC) in collaboration with the Institutional Gender-Based Violence Committee (IGBVC) Pillar 6: Research and Information Management Systems recently held their 1st 2024 Crucial Conversation under the theme: Voices and Spaces, Creating Inclusive Spaces” # RecognitionOfVoices.

The event which was held at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre was attended by organisations such as Triangle Project, Gender Dynamix, Commission for Gender Equality, NSP GBVF Localisation, Transgender Advocate, Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, CPUT Queer Unicorns, CPUT Student Representative Council, CPUT staff and students.

The purpose of the 1st 2024 Crucial Conversation was to provide platforms and opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to share their stories, perspectives, and experiences and to:

• Encourage open and respectful communication between diverse groups to promote understanding, empathy, and acceptance.
• Ensure that physical and digital spaces are accessible to people of all abilities, including those with disabilities, to create an inclusive environment.
• Identify and address systemic barriers that prevent certain voices from being heard or inhibiting full participation in society.
• Facilitate collaborative efforts between different stakeholders to design and develop inclusive spaces that meet the needs of all.
• Promote diversity, inclusion and foster a sense of belonging for all CPUT staff, students, and those we interact with.

Stream Coordinator: Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity, Tumiso Mfisa, said the conversation allowed open engagement showing that “CPUT should hold itself accountable for creating and maintaining inclusive spaces, with clear strategies for measuring progress and enforcing policies”.

“What stood out for CDISC is that the conversation fostered a holistic view from a local and international perspective around Diversity, Inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all in Higher Education Institutions.”

Mfisa stated that the attendees must continue the conversation in their respective spaces, as this was the start of a series of crucial conversations. “CDISC extends gratitude to the CPUT community, international visitors, organisations, NGOs, members of society and other academic institutions that attended in person or joined via the CPUT YouTube channel.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.