South Africa’s recent national shutdown against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide has once again highlighted the urgency of confronting the crisis of violence facing women, children, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups. For the University of the Free State (UFS), the 15-minute moment of silence on 21 November 2025 was not an isolated gesture. It was a reminder that our responsibility extends far beyond a symbolic pause.

At the recent G20 Social Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBV and femicide a national disaster, calling for extraordinary, coordinated efforts – a move that has been met with widespread applause, including from the UFS. 

As we begin the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the UFS reaffirms its commitment to creating a campus environment rooted in dignity, respect, consent, and accountability. This global period of heightened activism, observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, reinforces the need for awareness, prevention, and continued action – not only during these 16 days but throughout the year.

This year, our message to the UFS community is clear: ‘Don’t be a red flag’.

A “red flag” is widely understood as behaviour that signals harm, disrespect, manipulation, coercion, or toxic attitudes, especially in relationships and social interactions. This campaign challenges every member of our community to reflect honestly on how their behaviour contributes to the environment around them – whether it harms, dismisses, or uplifts others.

Chelepe Mocwana, Acting Director of the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, emphasises this shared responsibility. “Ending sexual and gender-based violence is a shared responsibility,” he says. “Every student, staff member, and partner has a role in building a culture where discrimination, harassment, and violence are not tolerated.”

He notes that safety is built through everyday actions: “Small, everyday actions help build a campus culture where people feel safe, supported, and valued. We must speak up when we witness harassment, bullying, harmful jokes, or boundary violations.”

These actions – whether challenging harmful comments, checking in on someone who seems uncomfortable, or choosing not to look away – are the foundation of a safer campus.

The Unit’s specialised work in gender equity, social justice, and transformation strengthens institutional accountability and ensures that support structures remain visible and accessible. During the 16 Days period, the Unit will be present across all three campuses through educational engagements, resource-sharing, and awareness activities aimed at empowering students and staff with the tools to recognise and respond to harmful behaviour.

Through this initiative, the UFS takes a clear stance: gender-based violence and social misconduct have no place at our institution.

But a safer campus is not created by policy alone; it takes each of us choosing accountability, empathy, and respect in every interaction.