The University of the Free State (UFS) maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence (GBV), recognising it as a severe violation of human rights that detrimentally impacts physical, sexual, reproductive, mental, and social well-being on a global scale. Prevalent manifestations of GBV encompass sexual harassment (including unwanted physical contact, sexual remarks, and comments targeting individuals or groups), rape, cyberbullying, stalking, voyeurism, stealthing, femicide, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault.

#KovsiesCare GBV campaign

In response to the pressing demand for increased awareness and proactive measures against GBV across all three UFS campuses, the KovsiesCare campaign was conceived. The primary objective of this initiative is to educate, raise awareness, and equip students with resources to access information concerning GBV and other forms of violence frequently experienced by marginalised student communities, including persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQQIAAPD+ communities, and persons from the diverse gender spectrum.

Gernus Terblanche, the Campaign Lead and Research Assistant at Kovsie Support Services within the Division of Student Affairs, elaborated on the overarching goal of the campaign, stating, "Our mission is to enlighten students about the array of available resources across our campuses and to ensure that they are well-informed about the procedures in place for addressing GBV at the UFS."

To provide valuable insights into the involvement of Support Services offices in combating GBV and violence against marginalised groups, an activation event is scheduled for 22 September 2023. This event will facilitate engagement between students and diverse stakeholders. The KovsiesCare GBV activation is made possible through collaboration with key entities such as the Division of Student Affairs, the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office, the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support, and the Department of Protection Services.

Join the KovsiesCare GBV activation:

Venue: Thakaneng Bridge, Bloemfontein Campus