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01 August 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba
womens Month 2023

As South Africa kicks off Women's Month, the University of the Free State (UFS) also launched its 2023 campaign, #UFSWomen Strive to BeBetter. The initiative reflects the institution's dedication to fostering women's empowerment and promoting gender equality within its academic and support staff domains. This move aligns with the United Nations’ Generation Equality campaign, connecting South Africa to the worldwide efforts aimed at achieving gender equality by 2030.

Historically, Women's Month in South Africa holds immense significance, commemorating the bravery of more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. The marchers opposed the extension of Pass Laws to women, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history. Today, Women's Month represents a time for reflection, assessment of progress, and confronting various forms of oppression.

Championing social justice

In line with its Vision 130 strategy, the UFS has placed social justice at the heart of its mission. With the objective of promoting human dignity through ethical and transparent institutional practices, the university interprets social justice within the context of South Africa's history. This includes striving for inclusivity, reducing inequality, and providing opportunities to overcome poverty and dispossession.

Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, underscored the importance of Women's Month and the university's unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality. He expressed appreciation for the strength and resilience exhibited by women, while acknowledging the obstacles they continue to encounter. “The university takes pride in championing the principles of equality and strives to offer a conducive environment for women to flourish in every aspect of its academic community.”

Building a Better Future

The #UFSWomen Strive to BeBetter campaign aims to shed light on the various initiatives and support systems implemented by the university to uplift and empower women within the campus community. Through this proactive effort, the UFS seeks to create an environment where women can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the greater goal of building a more equitable society.

Throughout Women's Month, the UFS has planned an array of events to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women within the institution. The activities will include panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering dialogue and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Victim to Victor GBV Awareness and Dignity Kit Handover 
Date: 3 August 2023
Time: 12:00-14:00

Venue: Thakaneng Bridge, Bloemfontein Campus

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Struggles and Experiences of Womxn in Higher Education
Date: 7 August 2023
Time: 10:00-12:30

Pour_try and Paint
Date: 10 August 2023
Time: 16:00-18:30
Venue: Soetdoring Café, Bloemfontein Campus
Seminar on Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional African Values and Modern Perspectives in Achieving Gender Equality 
Date: 24 August 2023
Time: 10:00-12:30
Annual Women’s Day Breakfast 
Date: 24 August 2023
Time: 08:30-10:30
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

News Archive

UFS seals cooperation with National Institute for Higher Education
2006-03-20

At the signing of the agreement were seated from the left Prof Magda Fourie (Vice-Rector:  Academic Planning at the UFS) and Dr Pearl Nkosi (Head: Academic Planning at the NIHE). Standing from the left were Dr Kopano Taole (acting head of the NIHE) and Mr Vernon Collett (Registrar: Academic Student Services at the UFS).
Photo: Stephen Collett

UFS seals cooperation with National Institute for Higher Education

A formal memorandum of understanding was recently signed between the  University of the Free State (UFS) and the National Institute for Higher Education in the Northern Cape (NIHE).

The memorandum was signed to give both institutions a clear understanding of the way in which collaborative programmes should be implemented.

“Although the UFS has been presenting two bachelors degree courses (i.e. B Soc Sc in Human and Societal Dynamics and B Com in General Management) and the Career Preparation Programme at the NIHE since 2003, the cooperative agreement was never formalised,” explained Prof Magda Fourie, Vice-Rector:  Academic Planning at the UFS, during the signing ceremony.

These academic programmes, presented by facilitators living in Kimberley and lecturers from the UFS, serve 270 students and the entry requirements of the programmes are determined by the UFS.

Prof Fourie said the UFS had a history of a relationship with the NIHE.  The partnership should be seen as an example of how two institutions of higher learning can work together to serve the needs of the students in the region.

“The memorandum of understanding is part of the UFS’s commitment to and engagement with the central region.  As the NIHE is currently operating in a policy vacuum, the memorandum is underpinned by certain principles aimed at providing some parameters within which the relationship is established and developed,” she said.

Dr Kopano Taole, acting head of the NIHE, added to this by saying that the understanding of where the NIHE wants to take the partnership is now reflected in the memorandum of understanding. 

“The memorandum is the culmination of many years of hard work and of helping the people of the region.  The continued input and guidance of the UFS is of tremendous help to us and through this we gained a greater sense of what the NIHE can grow to be,” he said.

The NIHE is a joint initiative of the BHP Billiton Development Trust (BBDT) and the Northern Cape Provincial Government and was established in June 2004.  The National Plan for Higher Eduation (NPHE 2001) proposed the establishment of the NIHE in the Northern Cape to serve as the administrative and governance hub for ensuring the coherent provision of higher education through programme collaboration between the higher education institutions operating in the Northern Cape.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
20 March 2006

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