The concept of ‘dialogue’ is central to collaboration with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) and Correctional Services. Similarly, the UFS Women’s Forum is concerned with constructing a future that is distinguished by social responsiveness and filled with active citizens, rather than simply ‘making today count’. Such a future is achievable if conversations, debates, and discussions are translated into actions that drive change. Women’s and gender issues continue to be fundamental to the society and world that we must heal, improve, and recreate.

On 07 July 2022, the University of the Free State Women’s Forum inked a game-changing agreement with SAWID and Grootvlei Correctional Services to collaborate on projects that will better the lives of women and the youth.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was signed at the UFS South Campus aims to address issues of gender-based violence (GBV) as well as inequality in various environments. 

During his opening address, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis William Petersen, said while the signing of the MoU is historic, it is critical that it is converted into effective action because these platforms address a variety of challenges that women face but do not discuss.

“We must keep in mind that the success of our collaboration is dependent on how we translate this Memorandum of Understanding into actual, tangible, and meaningful initiatives that benefit us all and stimulate real and lasting change. I wish all employees would join this effort,” Prof Peterson added.

This initiative is also aimed at making a difference beyond the university walls by ensuring peace and security in various communities as well. Dr Marinkie Madiope, UFS South Campus Principal and the UFS Women’s Forum founder, also said the partnership will assist in restoring the value of the youth. This is a game-changer that will resuscitate value and morals as well as the place of women and youth in society.

The chairperson of the UFS Women’s Forum, Nombulelo Shange, took the audience through some of the achievements of the forum since its inception in August 2021. “Our most recent media discussion has been on the challenging experiences of women in higher education. This discussion has been the most important, especially for our space as predominately womanist and feminist scholars and members of staff. We highlighted the intersectional repression faced by women in universities all over South Africa. Race, sexual orientation, ageism, and many other things are used to disregard us in the space. This is a discussion which was well-covered in various print, radio, and TV media platforms and which we have also adopted into an academic paper which has been submitted for consideration,” she said.

Through these platforms, women and youth are also granted access to contribute towards plans and policies that develop societies. “As women, we are not recognized, compensated, or simply listened to. The women’s forum exists to celebrate individual and communal successes. It seeks to promote and advance social justice while also assisting in the management of tensions associated with being in situations that discriminate against us and people of colour. It gradually begins to restore the harm that has been done to humanity. This is a place of solace, kindness, love, and sisterhood, as well as active scholarship and leadership,” Shange added.

Dr Criselda Kananda, representative of SAWID trustees, said the platform is dedicated to hearing every woman’s voice and enhancing women’s positions by ensuring that their opinions are considered in decisions that affect their lives. This will be a knowledge transfer exercise in which evidence-based knowledge will be conveyed to remove social ills through civil society dialogue and the generation of sustainable solutions.

Furthermore, addressing these issues includes changing fraudulent perceptions and assisting the government in eradicating them. “All lives count”, according to the South African constitution, and people should reconsider and ensure they are law-abiding citizens. Victims must be encouraged and provided with the appropriate knowledge so their lives can improve. “This is not just in our workplaces. Communities are suffering because of a lack of understanding, which must be addressed,” said Jacky Reid-Moses, Correctional Services Area Commissioner for the Free State and Northern Cape regions.

GBV has become a global socioeconomic issue, with numerous countries battling to put an end to it and safeguard the safety of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and the youth. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations in Lesotho, the Hon Mats’epo Molise-Ramakoae, confirmed that Lesotho is facing similar challenges and that identifying these issues is difficult because people rarely talk about them. So having such platforms is essential as it creates a safe space for many.