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19 September 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Unsplash
“Shattering Academic Barriers for Gender Equality"
As we reflect on the significance of Women's Month, which occurred last month, it is worth noting that the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO) at the University of the Free State (UFS) organised a thought-provoking seminar titled, "Bridging the gap: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional African values and Modern Perspectives in Achieving Gender Equality." This event, featuring distinguished guest speakers Prof Nokuzola Mndende and Dr Munyaradzi Mushonga, delved into the historical context of traditional African values and their impact on gender roles and norms. Their primary objective was to discern strategies for fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between traditional and modern stakeholders, all in the noble pursuit of advancing gender equality in Africa.

Tradition versus Modernity

Prof Nokuzola Mndende, an adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Nelson Mandela University, as well as the President of We Come Back Spirituality and Founder of Icamagu Heritage Institute, emphasised the importance of African scholars embracing their roots. She stated, "It is important that young African scholars must be bold and change direction and start from home using African tools. In their endeavour to decoloniality, they must not forget their past." She also stressed the need to discard Western theories and spectacles that have been imposed, highlighting the scarcity of literature that portrays the positive aspects of African customs.

Dr Mushonga, the Programme Director for Africa Studies at the UFS Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, drew attention to the impact of modernity on a global scale. He referred to the 1500s when the world was pluricentric, as opposed to the current Eurocentric world order. Dr Mushonga cautioned against the seductive allure of modernity, which tends to cast African traditional perspectives as regressive while promoting Eurocentric ones as progressive.

Fostering equality in Africa

Siyanda Magayana, Senior Officer at the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office, shed light on the webinar's purpose. She explained, "the webinar intended to critically engage whether there is a gap between African traditional perspectives and values of gender equality against modern perspectives. In addition, we wanted to examine the emergence of modern perspectives and their influence in challenging gender inequality in an African context." She further highlighted the need for African institutions to adopt context-specific approaches to gender equality, rather than relying on Eurocentric models.

Magayana also echoed Prof Mndende's preference for the term "gender equity" over "gender equality," as the latter can inadvertently reinforce a perception of male superiority. Magayana emphasised that achieving gender equity in African contexts should deviate from Eurocentric perspectives, considering the unique histories, understandings, and people in the Global South.

Breaking the glass ceiling

As a prelude to the seminar, GEADO also hosted a webinar in honour of Women’s Month titled "Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Higher Education.” This webinar shed light on the unique challenges women face in academia, addressing implicit biases, stereotypes, and gender-based discrimination. It provided a platform for women to share their triumphs and experiences. Together, these initiatives propel us towards a future marked by diverse leadership and empowered strategies, ultimately promoting gender equality on the continent. 

News Archive

Thakaneng bridge: Valentines Promotions
2009-02-13

Thakaneng bridge: Valentines Promotions

Thakaneng bridge: Valentines Promotions - 13 February. Special discount! Prizes to be won!

  1. TRÄUMEREI

Enige twee ontbyte kry `n glasie sap en koffie gratis.
Enige middagete kry `n trammazini of glas huiswyn gratis.

Any two breakfasts get a free juice and coffee.
A free glass of wine or a trammazini with any lunch.

  1. VARSITY INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY

Spend R1000.00 or more and stand a chance to win an Ipod Shuffle.
More specials in store.

Spandeer R1000.00 of meer en staan `n kans om `n Ipod Shuffle te wen.
Daar sal ook ander spesiale aanbiedinge in die winkel wees.

  1. VETKOEK FACTORY

Heart shaped vetkoek with delicious fillings and get a free heart shaped chocolate with every vetkoek.

Kom geniet `n hartvormige vetkoek met `n smaaklike vulsel en kry `n gratis hartvormige sjokolade.

  1. VARSITY HAIR STUDIO

Make Friday the 13th your lucky day at VARSITY HAIR STUDIO.
Amazing discounts will be given away!

Maak Vrydag die 13de jou gelukkige dag by VARSITY HAIR STUDIO.
Groot afslag op byna alles.

  1. KOVSIE PRIVAAT AKKOMMODASIE

Alle bestaande klante kom neem deel aan `n gelukstrekking en staan `n kans om `n etebewys ter waarde van R400.00 te wen.

All existing clients can enter into a lucky draw and stand a chance to win a free meal worth R400.00.

  1. XEROX

Kom neem deel aan `n “lucky draw” en wen een van verskeie geskenke.
Enter the lucky draw and win one of many prizes.

  1. MELLIN

LEVI, POLO en LUXION-KUKA promosies. Gratis geskenke wannneer `n raam gekoop word.
LEVI, POLO and LUXION-KUKA promotions. A free gift with any frame bought.

8. FRIENDLY SEVEN ELEVEN
Lots of in-store give-aways.
Vele weggee geskenke in die winkel. Besoek ons gerus.

9. RUSH HOUR
Kom prik `n ballon en wen een van vele pryse, waaronder T-hemde, `n koek, teddiebeer of dalk ‘n mini- make over.
Ons maak ook `n plan vir lekker musiek op die brug!

Win a cake, T-shirt ,a teddy bear or a mini make over in our burst a balloon competition.

10.MAMA`S KITCHEN
Kom neem deel aan `n gelukstrekking en wen `n piekniekmandjie vir twee.
`n Gratis geskenkie vir die eerste 100 klante.

Enter the lucky draw and stand a chance to win a picnic hamper for two.
The first 100 clients will receive a gift.

11. ROASTERS
Kom koop een chip twister en kry een gratis.
Buy ` chip twister and get one for free.

12 DIE DELI

Koop een groot ontbyt en kry `n damesontbyt gratis.
Kry skyfies gratis saam met enige burger.

Buy a breakfast and get a ladies breakfast free.
Free chips with any burger.

  1. NASHUA MOBILE

Buy airtime for R10.00 or more and stand a chance to win airtime worth R55.00
Koop lugtyd van R10.00 of meer en staan `n kans om lugtyd ter waarde van R55.00 te wen.

  1. VAN SCHAIK BOEKHANDEL

Alle aankope op 13 Februarie kwalifiseer vir `n gelukstrekking op die 14de Februarie en staan `n kans om `n geskenk te wen waaronder wetenskaplike sakrekenaars, memory sticks en penstelle.

All clients who buy something on 13 February 2009 may enter a lucky draw and may win gifts like pen sets, scientific calculator or a memory stick on 14 February 2009.

  1. ROCKSTARS

Kom koop `n T-hemp en staan `n kans om `n geskenk te wen.

Buy a T-shirt and stand a chance to win a prize

 

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