“VUT’s IHAU hosted a women’s dialogue on 29 Aug 2025, covering mental health, GBV, FAS, financial literacy, feminine hygiene & EqualityEmpowerment.”
09 September 2025 | Story By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Picture: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
On Friday, 29 August 2025, the Institutional HIV and AIDS Unit (IHAU) of Vaal University of Technology (VUT) with the help of its peer educators hosted an important women’s dialogue at the VUT Lapa. The peer educators who helped organise this dialogue were Mr Kutlwano Kgagamedi, Ms Relebohile Masiu, Ms Amahle Mazibuko, Mr Mbasa Mfincane, Ms Charmaine Mokalapa, Ms Matabane Mpho, Ms Caitlin Ferendale and Ms Mpho Mogotsi. Centered around the theme “#equality empowerment,” the dialogue was inspired by the principle of “leaving no one behind.” Its primary goal was to celebrate, empower, and educate women. The dialogue featured participation from both internal and external professionals. Internally, support came from representatives of Student Counselling and Support Services, VUT Financial Aid, and the Green Campus Initiative. Externally, representatives from Trust Sanitary Towels and the Thuthuzela Care Centre also contributed.
Peer educator Ms Relebogile Masiu provided an overview of the event, highlighting peer education as a vital initiative under IHAU that connects peer educators with staff and students to raise awareness, offer support, and lead meaningful conversations. “Our teachers always say that as peer educators we need to be ambulances of our own circles,” Ms Masiu emphasized. Senior Counsellor Ms Mamphoreng Mashiloane from Student Counselling and Support Services delivered a comprehensive presentation on mental health awareness, focusing on how taking care of mental health helps individuals navigate life’s challenges smoothly.
Ms Nompumelelo Bhila, a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) social worker from the Department of Social Development, educated attendees about GBV, its origins, dangers of staying in abusive situations, and reporting channels, encouraging victims to speak out. Ms Windy Mofurutshe, also a social worker from the Department of Social Development, presented on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the most severe condition within Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
The event included artistic performances, such as a heartfelt poem by the Creative Arts group that reflected the event’s spirit. Ms Zinhle Mboweni “Zeena” from Population Services International (PSI), which supports Trust Sanitary Towels, explained their mission to end period poverty by donating sanitary towels. Ms Busisiwe Radebe, an administrator from VUT Financial Aid, offered a
presentation on financial literacy, encouraging students to save any amount to avoid financial dependence.
Ms Kholiwe Maduna, a Victim Assistant Officer from the Thuthuzela Care Centre, shared insights about the centre, which provides a safe space specifically for survivors of GBV and rape which is their core business. She emphasized that victims could share their stories without fear of judgment. The prevention programme coordinator, Ms Thabile Khambule, spoke on feminine hygiene, and throughout the session, students engaged actively with the speakers.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Maureen Motsukunyane, the Director of the HIV/AIDS programme since 2011.