Spotlight on gender-based violence at institutions of higher learning

Universities in the Eastern Cape, in collaboration with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), are hosting a conference on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) at institutions of higher learning.

The General Practitioners Community of Practice Conference, being held from 3 – 5 December 2024, is being hosted by the University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University, Rhodes University, Nelson Mandela University and Higher Health, in collaboration with the CGE.

Held under the theme: “From Policy to Practice: Enhancing Accountability in GBV Responses and Gender Transformation in Higher Education Institutions”, the conference is held against the backdrop of the Gender Practitioners’ Community of Practice (CoP), which was established by the University of the Witwatersrand in 2021 to foster collaboration among gender practitioners across South African universities.

The CoP believes that universities are microcosms of various communities and as such, they are not immune to issues of gender-based violence and femicide.

“The CGE has over the years conducted legal investigations into universities’ systems to stop GBVF and promote gender equity and transformation on their campuses. The findings revealed that most institutions fell short in their policies and procedures in addressing this critical issue.

“At the centre of this conference is the Department of Higher Education and Training’s policy framework on gender-based violence, which mandates institutions of higher learning to develop comprehensive strategies for GBV prevention. 

“This includes developing and implementing clear policies, effective reporting mechanisms, and integrating GBVF awareness into the academic curriculum,” the CGE said.

The key objectives of the conference are:

•    To enhance the capacity of higher education institutions to implement and enforce existing GBVF policies, while ensuring transparency, consistent reporting and accountability.

•    To facilitate discussions on bridging the gap between policy commitments and practical, measurable action on campuses.

•    To provide a platform for institutions to share best practices and innovative approaches to GBV prevention, support and policy implementation. – SAnews.gov.za