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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

UFS trains Physical Science subject advisors from the Northern Cape

2008-01-28

The Research Institute for Education Planning (RIEP) at the University of the Free State (UFS) is training Grade 12 Science teachers in preparation for the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement for Physical Sciences this year. The Physical Sciences subject advisors of the Northern Cape Department of Education recently attended a three-day workshop at the UFS Main Campus where the new Grade 12 subject content was discussed. Lecturers from the Departments of Chemistry and Physics at the UFS were also involved in the training sessions. Similar training sessions for 100 Physical Sciences teachers in the Northern Cape will soon take place in Kimberley and Springbok. At the training session were, from the left, front: Dr Matie Hoffman (Department of Physics at the UFS), Ms Ria le Grange, Ms Granny Moatshe, and Mr Chris de Wet (all subject advisors from the Department of Education in the Northern Cape); back: Mr Cobus van Breda (RIEP), Ms Sharon Paulse, Ms Providence Kilelo, and Mr Riekie Willemse (all subject advisors from the Department of Education in the Northern Cape).
Photo: Supplied

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