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UFS declares zero-tolerance against gender-based violence

24 November 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo SUPPLIED

UFS KovsieCare GBV Social Media — The UFS is joining forces with the international community during the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

As the world will soon commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, the University of the Free State (UFS) joins the fight against this pervasive issue. Dedicated to eradicating GBV and fostering a safe environment, the institution has pledged an unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of GBV.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global initiative that starts on 25 November 2023 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and concludes on 10 December 2023 – Human Rights Day. The theme for this year, ‘Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind’, emphasises the need for a comprehensive, inclusive effort to combat GBV.

Legislation addressing GBV

Gender-based violence, rooted in the systemic imbalance of power and authority, manifests in multifaceted forms that encompass emotional, physical, financial, and sexual abuse, among others. Recognising the gravity of this issue, parliament has enacted laws, including the Domestic Violence Act of 1998 and the Children's Act of 2005, striving to safeguard individuals from such atrocities and championing fundamental human rights.

The UFS, aligned with parliament's vision and encapsulating its own Vision 130 within the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a culture of accountability, care, and social justice within its staff and student community.

The significance of activism

Dr Lentsu Nchabeleng, Deputy Director in the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO), emphasised the pivotal role of the 16 Days of Activism in societal progress. “Advocacy plays an important role in prevention by promoting education and awareness. Advocacy challenges harmful societal norms and stereotypes that contribute to gender-based violence and can help foster a culture of equality and respect," she stated.

Useful resources

The UFS has provided resources for the staff and student community, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) about GBV and sexual offences, aiming to clarify these important matters. Help and reporting avenues for GBV and sexual misconduct are available on the Bloemfontein and South campuses, with similar support available on the Qwaqwa Campus, underscoring the university's dedication to a safe and supportive environment for all.

Click to download the resource documents:

Important contacts

The university has also implemented support systems, including dedicated 24-hour toll-free helplines for reporting GBV and sexual offenses, underscoring its commitment to addressing this epidemic.

GEADO toll-free: 0800 204 682
UFS Student Careline toll-free: 0800 00 6363

News Archive

UN-recognised scholar awarded the prestigious TRI Annual PhD Award

2015-11-09

Dr Anneli Botha, winner of TRI Award for Best Doctoral Thesis.
Photo: Supplied

Two years after enrolling as a PhD candidate in the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Political Studies and Governance, Dr Anneli Botha was awarded the annual Terrorism Research Initiative (TRI) Award for the 'Best Doctoral Thesis on Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism' (2014).

The TRI PhD award is a prestigious international honour, while terrorism as a scholarly venture remains a concentrated field. Dr Botha, one of the few women in this niche field, has proved to be an excellent asset. Her winning of the prestigious award was announced in its October 2015 issue of Perspectives on Terrorism (PT), a globally-circulated online journal, co-published by the European-based Terrorism Research Initiative and the America-based Center for Terrorism and Security Studies.

Based on the merit and relevance of her outstanding research, the United Nations Development Programme has appointed Dr Botha as a Consultant on Radicalisation. In addition, her PhD is to be published as a book in the United States of America early in 2016. She was appointed as a Research Associate at the University of the Free State at the beginning of this year.

An award-winning search for answers

Her thesis, titled “Radicalisation to Terrorism in Kenya and Uganda: a Political Socialisation Perspective”, tackled East African militancy, from an individualised perspective. Researchers in the past have neglected assessing details of the rebels’ childhoods. Dr Botha’s interviewed about 285 militants and their families. These individuals declared themselves openly as members of al-Shabaab and the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) in Kenya, and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, at the time of the interviews.

Her doctoral dissertation provides significant information about factors that should be considered in the quest to counter and prevent terrorism. Her research shows conclusively that political socialisation begins with the family, and expands through peers, school, media, and earlier political experiences, culminating in the terrorist group.

Outstanding piece of scholarship

Dr Alex Schmid, who is the editor of PT, TRI Award Jury chairman, and one of the most respected experts of terrorism, described Dr Botha’s research as an “outstanding piece of scholarship.”

Dr Botha attributed her success to her supervisors - Professors Theo Neethling and Hussein Solomon - as well as to the people in Kenya and Uganda.

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