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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

Kovsies raise their voice against gender violence

2013-02-25

25 February 2013

On Wednesday 27 February 2013, Kovsie men and women will march to raise their voices against gender violence. They will be saying no to the scourge of violence and rape in the country. Showing solidarity with the late Anene Booysen and thousands other victims of gender violence, staff and students of the university will take part in the “Enough is Enough: Are you man Enough?” march.

An important feature of the march is that it will be men adding their voices to those of women supporting the call for action.

Dean of Student Affairs Rudi Buys, who will lead the march, says, “Protestors will use their bodies to say that they are against the continued and absolute annihilation of the dignity of the females in our country. It's a solidarity march with victims but also with perpetrators to show our shared complicities."

The university will kick-off of a month-long programme of in-depth conversations, not only creating awareness but also facilitating broader understanding of gender violence.

The march will start at 12:30 at the Main Gate of the Bloemfontein Campus and proceed to the Main Building. Those participating are encouraged to make posters or banners with supportive messages showing solidarity with the cause.

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