By: Qhawekazi Memani

1 to 3 July 2024, saw the Gender Practitioners’ Community of Practice (CoP), in collaboration with the North-West University (NWU) and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), successfully hosting the 5th Bi-Annual National Conference on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Diversity, and Inclusivity.

The event, held at NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus, was themed “Accelerating Gender Equality for a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Future in Higher Education.”

The three-day conference was attended by a large delegation of gender practitioners from universities across the length and breadth of the country. To weigh in on one of the pressing challenges of our time; gender-based violence and femicide, the gathering also draw much interest and participation from GBVF concerned groups, researchers, policymakers and activists, as well as key stakeholders within the higher education sector.

Primarily, the conference sought to discuss the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to addressing gendered harms on campuses, with an added focus on the intersections of GBVF with issues of diversity and inclusivity. For the duration of the conference, the discussions centred around recognising and mitigating various forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence faced by individuals based on their gender identity, diversity, and expression. The conference also highlighted the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) which among others, calls for the broadening of access to justice for survivors; changing social norms and behaviour through high-level awareness raising and prevention campaigns, as well as the creation of more economic opportunities for women who are vulnerable to abuse because of poverty.

In her opening address, Prof Linda du Plessis, the NWU Deputy Vice Chancellor emphasised the timeliness and critical nature of the conference theme in navigating the multifaceted challenges of society. “One in five women in South Africa in relationships have experienced GBV. During COVID-19, GBV was identified as a second pandemic, with 10 516 rape cases reported by the then Minister of Police, Bheki Cele”, said Du Plessis. She added that: “More centres to support GBV victims were opened, but gaps in implementation still exist. Building a community of inclusivity, a fundamental value that requires more access and awareness.”

Before encouraging the delegates to engage openly and challenge assumptions, Prof Khehla Ndlovu, VUT Vice Chancellor and Principal, described the conference as a gathering of brilliant minds and passionate individuals that are dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time; gender-based violence and femicide.

He further emphasised that universities do not exist in isolation; they are microcosms of society, and they too are not spared from this scourge. “As institutions of higher learning and trusted voices within our communities, it is our duty to shine a light on this issue, to listen to the voices of those affected, and to work tirelessly towards creating a world free from violence and discrimination,” he stated.

To empower change and instil a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding GBVF, diversity, and inclusivity, the conference featured various distinguished speakers from organisations such as Higher Health, Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Campus Protection South Africa (CAMProSA) and Kwanele Group South Africa. This underscored the importance of collaboration between universities, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and all other key stakeholders. On the international front, representatives from the University College Dublin, who joined virtually, discussed the international stance on the role of Higher Education disciplinary offices in combating GBV and LGBTQIA+ crimes.

Each address was a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence, with each speaker emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive strategies to address it. After each session, attendees were provided an opportunity to ask questions to the presenters. In answering some of the questions, presenters advised that to avoid unconscious biases, society must continue to evolve, create spaces for dialogue, and avoid making assumptions.

Tumelo Rasebopye, Chairperson of the Gender Practitioners Community of Practice, expressed gratitude to the institutions, stakeholders, and partners who contributed to the event’s success. “The focus on sustainability in driving inclusion is paramount. As gender practitioners, we recognise that sustainability in higher education regarding gender inclusion cannot be achieved without a comprehensive understanding of gender diversity. We must continue to address the gaps between policy implementation, development, and the delivery of justice,” he said.

The conference concluded with a glitz and glamorous networking gala dinner which was addressed by Adv. Yasmin Mohammed from the Cape Town High Court, and a GBVF activist.

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