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31 July 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba
GEAD Infographic

The Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO) is an integral part of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice. Its primary focus is to create a safe and inclusive environment for students and staff. The office plays a crucial role in shaping the student experience and in fostering inclusivity in student accommodation and residence environments.

The GEADO takes proactive steps to achieve this, including implementing guidelines and policies to address and prevent gender-based violence and sexual misconduct. It also conducts conscientisation workshops to raise awareness, challenge biases, and promote empathy among stakeholders.

“As an integral component of our initiatives, the GEADO implements proactive measures to foster safe spaces for students, through the establishment of its Sexual Offence Response Team (SORT) and sexual harassment guidelines,” said Dr Lentsu Nchabeleng, Deputy Director of the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office. She further emphasised, “These frameworks are formulated to tackle and prevent occurrences of gender-based violence and sexual misconduct, ensuring a secure, healthy, and conducive environment for both students and staff to flourish and develop as individuals and as a community.” The GEADO is currently reviewing the UFS Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Sexual Violence Policy to strengthen its commitment to a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and sexual misconduct.

Beyond addressing specific incidents, the GEADO aims to cultivate an inclusive and socially just atmosphere across the UFS’s campuses. It closely monitors the environment, identifies trends, and stays updated on global and local interventions to positively impact its work.

The office is a driving force behind fostering a safe, inclusive, and socially just campus culture that embraces gender equality and combats discrimination. It partners with LGBTIAQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer, and others) organisations like Free State Rainbow Seeds to further support its mission. Some of the programmes championed by the office include safety zone training, sexuality sensitisation, and diversity training.

Safe zone training

The Safe Zones@UFS project is modelled after a similar programme in the USA, specifically the Safe Zones Project at San Diego State University. Its purpose is to create a supportive and safe environment for individuals who identify as LGBTIAQ+.

Dr Nchabeleng said the project encompasses the training of faculty members and students to become Safe Zones allies, offering support to students, staff, as well as families and friends of individuals identifying as LGBTIAQ+. She emphasised that the role of Safe Zone allies involves providing assistance to LGBTIAQ+ students and staff during their coming-out process, serving as an informative resource for LGBTIAQ+ matters, advocating for LGBTIAQ+ rights, and acting as a referral point for other essential services, including medical and counselling support.

Sexuality sensitisation

Gender and sexuality sensitisation is crucial for fostering inclusive and respectful environments in educational institutions, workplaces, and communities. It involves raising awareness about consent, sexual minorities, and diverse gender identities, while addressing gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and misconduct. The approach includes consent education, understanding sexual minorities, exploring gender identities, combating gender-based violence and harassment, promoting safe spaces, challenging stereotypes, encouraging allyship, and promoting positive masculinity and femininity. Overall, these efforts create a more understanding and supportive community in which individuals of all genders and sexual orientations can thrive.

Diversity Training

The Diversity Training programme focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences. It includes workshops and training to address unconscious bias, promoting a fair and equitable environment. The goal is to create a sense of belonging, where everyone feels accepted and valued. The programme is flexible and can be customised for organisations or communities, and it can be delivered through various formats. Embracing diversity and inclusion can lead to better outcomes, improved teamwork, and the attracting of diverse talent. Overall, it fosters a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for diverse perspectives, benefitting both individuals and organisations.

Important contact information

Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 3982

South Campus: +27 51 401 7544

Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5431

Toll-free number +27 80 020 4682

News Archive

Another chance to start your studies in 2015
2015-07-15

If your registration for studies in January 2015 were delayed due to Grade 12 reassessment results, shortage of funds or you were uncertain of your choice of study, then the mid-year registration is just the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Selected first-time undergraduate programmes in the following faculties are open for mid-year registration.

  • Economic and Management Sciences
  • Education
  • Humanities
  • Natural and Agricultural Sciences
  • Theology

Mid-year entries are also available at:

  • South Campus – School for Open Learning; ACE (Intermediate phase teaching)
  • Qwaqwa Campus – BA (non-language) and B Administration.

Click here for the complete list of programmes or contact +27(0)51 401 3000.

Admission requirements per programme apply. Closing date for applications is 20 July 2015 as registration will take place from 20 - 24 July 2015.

Obtain an application form for admission from:

  • Your Life Orientation teacher.
  • Unit for Prospective Students at +27(0)51 401 3000 or ufsmarketing@ufs.ac.za.
  • Apply online or download the application form. For assistance with completing the online application or to download, contact +27(0)51 401 9538.

A non-refundable application fee is payable on application for admission:

  • SA students - R215
  • International students (SADC and non-SADC) - R460

NB: Ensure that all your supporting documents listed below are correctly certified and submitted with your completed application form.

  • A certified copy of your ID or passport
  • Academic records
  • Proof of payment of the correct application fee

Deliver or email the above documents and your completed and signed application form to:

 

Bloemfontein Campus:
The Admissions Office, Room 163
George du Toit Building
or
applications@ufs.ac.za
Enquiries: +27(0)51 401 3693/3696

School of Open Learning:
Administration Building, Room D66
South Campus
Bloemfontein
or
wilsonla@ufs.ac.za
Enquiries: +27(0) 51 505 1378

Qwaqwa Campus:
Administration Building
Qwaqwa Campus
Phuthaditjhaba
or
infoqwa@qwa.ufs.ac.za
Enquiries: +27(0)58 718 5044/5021/5022

 

 

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