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01 June 2023 | Story Danelle Fisher | Photo Supplied
South Campus SRC uses conversations to break gender bias
Students listening attentively to speakers at the Break the Bias Conversations held at Legae Residence on the South Campus.

On 24 May 2023, the University of the Free State (UFS) South Campus Student Representative Council (SRC) held the Break the Bias Conversations dialogue at Legae Residence on the South Campus to talk about biases faced by the LGBTQI+ community. 

Established in 2022, the initiative aims to educate students on the different issues faced by students on a daily basis. "This dialogue aimed to educate students on a wide range of topics related to mental health, safety, and racial disparities experienced by our students," states Gonste Choane, Senior Officer, Kovsie Support. 

The SRC has created a safe space for students to address biases towards the LGBTQI+ community, with topics on awareness surrounding the community, including discrimination, sexual health, stereotypes and stigmatisation, and becoming more aware of conscious and unconscious biases and being willing to question ourselves and others. "There was a need to start dialogues/engagements among South Campus students regarding issues they encounter on a regular basis," added Choane. 

The dialogue was attended by South Campus students, the Gender Equity and Anti-Discrimination Office, and associations and NGOs centred around the LGBTQI+ community. "It's important for the university community to be aware of these dialogues in order to provide the necessary support mechanisms that will enhance the academic success of all students," said Choane.  

Guest speakers from diverse backgrounds were invited to share their experiences with the students. 

“The initiative has successfully managed to open the door for open discussions among students regarding issues they face on a regular basis. The initiative's goal now being growth in collaboration with more campuses. "This dialogue aims to collaborate with other campuses in the future," said Choane. 

News Archive

10-Year old talks to UFS MBA graduates and alumni
2007-09-19

MBA alumni and graduandi of the School of Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) last week attended a gala function in Bloemfontein. The guest speaker was Thuli Manunga, winner of this year's ATKV debate competition. Thuli is 10 years old and a Grade 4 learner at the Elardus Park Primary School in Pretoria. She stole the audience's hearts with her speech about parents who play too little with their children. She is fluent in Afrikaans, English and Xhosa and started her speech by saying: "Ladies and Gentlemen, when last did you laugh out loud? If I can say one thing to parents of today, it will be that they should play more with their children. There is no age restriction on playing!" Pictured here is Thuli with Prof. Helena van Zyl, (Director of the UFS School of Management).
Photo: Stephen Collett
 

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