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Xhosa Student Association and GEADO host dialogue about gender-based violence

05 September 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied

GBV dialogue 2023 — The UFS Xhosa Student Association and Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office joined forces to host a dialogue to enlighten students on combating gender-based violence.

The Xhosa Student Association at the University of the Free State (UFS), along with the UFS Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO) on its Bloemfontein Campus, recently hosted a dialogue titled ‘Aiding the Victim’, to educate students about what perpetuates gender-based violence, and inform them about UFS support services available to help fight GBV.

The discussion was held at the Education Auditorium on 25 August 2023, and students were challenged to pinpoint what GBV is and what it looks like. Balisa Nqambuza, Chairperson of the Xhosa Student Association and second-year BA student majoring in psychology and philosophy, said, “There is a need to have these tough conversations, as they provide insight on how to combat GBV in the future... We have had enough talks about the problem, and it is very important to start speaking about solutions that inform people of what they can do when encountering GBV.”

The event organisers said the dialogue was an opportunity for GEADO and the Xhosa Student Association to inform students about support structures within the university that provide help for students through free counselling sessions.

“The objective was to bring awareness about GBV victims amongst us, and how to assist them better, and to also highlight comprehensive approaches, as dialogues may discuss holistic approaches that address the multidimensional impact of GBV, including psychological, emotional, physical, and economic consequences,” said Pebetsi Kgole, a guest speaker and intern from GEADO.

In May 2023, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund reported a shocking rise in violence against women in South Africa, with 969 murders and 1 485 attempted murders recorded over this period. The UFS has put many structures in place to help in the fight against the scourge of GBV.

Other support services available include a sexual offense response team made up of GEADO, Protection Services, Kovsie Health, access to psychologists and social workers, and free services to help victims feel safe in a secure environment.

News Archive

Married couple from the UFS launch their latest book on psychology

2008-10-28

A book by Prof. Dap Louw (right), head of the Centre for Psychology and the Law in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State (UFS), and his wife, Prof. Anet Louw (left), associate professor in the same department, was recently launched. The 400-page book with the title “Child and Adolescent Development” (also available in Afrikaans as “Die Ontwikkeling van die Kind en die Adolessent”), is full of South African data, examples, case-studies and illustration material such as photos and sketches. Various universities have already prescribed the book. Profs Louw are currently busy with a book that links up with the book mentioned, namely “Adult Development/Die Ontwikkeling van die Volwassene”. This book should be published before the end of 2008. Afterwards a total revision and renewal of their existing first-year book, with "Abnormal Behaviour in the South African Context", are next on the list. Here Proff. Louw are handing a copy of their latest book to the Acting Rector of the UFS, Prof. Teuns Verschoor (middle). According to the Louws, Prof. Verschoor’s support regarding the academic jurisdiction of the book as well as his view that the writing of books should not be neglected by lecturers and researchers, has contributed a lot to the publishing of the book.
Photo: Supplied

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