03 August 2026
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Story Moleboheng Mojaki
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Photo Supplied
Dr Nina Muller Van Velden (far right) with students and colleagues from the Faculty of Theology and Religion and the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice (UICSJ) at the University of the Free State wearing black in support of the global Thursdays in Black movement.
The campaign encourages individuals to wear black every Thursday as a visible expression of solidarity with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and as a commitment to building a world free from rape and violence. By promoting awareness, accountability, and collective action, the movement reminds communities that GBV remains a pervasive social injustice requiring sustained attention and action.
A global movement for justice and dignity
The Thursdays in Black movement traces its origins to the 1980s, when it emerged through the World Council of Churches (WCC) in response to systemic violence against women, including rape as a weapon of war and other forms of gender-based violence. Since then, it has evolved into a global ecumenical movement embraced by faith-based communities and organisations committed to advancing justice, peace, and human dignity.
Wearing black is both an act of remembrance and a powerful symbol of resistance and hope. It represents strength, courage, and a shared commitment to ending violence, while encouraging continuous reflection and action beyond once-off awareness campaigns.
Strengthening the University’s commitment
Geraldine Lengau, Acting Head of the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, said sexual misconduct and gender-based violence have reached epidemic proportions and can no longer be ignored.
“Sexual misconduct and gender-based violence affect individuals, families, and communities across all sectors of society.”
In recognition of this urgent reality, the UICSJ, in partnership with the University of the Free State Faculty of Theology and Religion, stands in solidarity with survivors and continues to raise awareness by participating in the Thursdays in Black initiative through the wearing of its symbolic badges.
The Faculty of Theology and Religion first committed to the movement in 2024 under the leadership of Dr Nina Müller van Velden, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Old and New Testament Studies. Since then, staff and students in the faculty have actively engaged with the campaign by examining the role that religion and faith institutions play in addressing the prevalence of gender-based violence and sexual violence within their communities.
Observed by wearing black every Thursday, the campaign serves as a visible reminder of the University’s zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct and gender-based violence. Through this shared commitment, the Faculty of Theology and Religion and the UICSJ encourage staff and students to stand in solidarity with survivors, challenge harmful norms, and actively contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive campus for all.