UNIVEN commits to fighting gender-based violence
This after management at University of Venda, noted the mounting number of gender-based violence incidents witnessed throughout the country, particularly at institutions of higher learning
LIMPOPO – “I stand in front of you with sadness as still, after 24 years of democracy, we cannot celebrate our basic right to safety.”
These were the words from a gender activist from the University of Venda, Mabore Machete, as she addressed the university community during a gender- based violence session last Monday, held at the university auditorium.
The session came about after management noted the mounting number of gender-based violence incidents witnessed throughout the country, particularly at institutions of higher learning.
It was then decided to declare 16 September as a day for the entire university to mark, reflect and add its voice in condemning gender-based violence atrocities directed towards women and to show solidarity with the victims.
Machete, in submitting grievances to management, reflected on the issue of a serial killer at the University of Venda four years ago, who raped and killed several women and children.
“Still today, Univen is not the safest place for female students as they encounter being mugged and raped even on the university premises.”
She blamed the university management for not taking action on some of the matters reported to them.
“There are countless rape and abuse cases reported, but all we see is the very same perpetrators walking and still having access to the university freely as if that doesn’t hurt or scare the victims,” Mabore said.
She appealed to Univen management to ensure that street lights are put up across campus, and that only registered students have access to the premises. Visitors, she said, should register.
“Security officers should patrol all the passages within the university as some of the cases happen in students’ residences,” she added. She also suggested establishing a gender-based and assault prevention centre which will help victims and ensure that perpetrators are charged.
In response to the issues addressed during the session, the Univen Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, promised the entire university community that they would set time aside in the university calendar on a quarterly basis for a university-wide dialogue on gender violence led by staff, students both male and female. “We must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to gender and sexual abuse. We will review our current university sexual harassment policy so that we can decisively expel those who are found guilty of rape from the university and will work with other universities in the country to ensure that such offenders are not admitted elsewhere,” Nthambeleni.
He added that they are going to prioritise complaints of sexual violence and strengthen the university’s Gender Equity Office, equipping it to investigate all complaints expeditiously and increase their support to strengthen their student counselling services to provide more holistic therapeutic, emotional, psychological and mental health support services.
Regarding the security measures in and around campus and residences, Nthambeleni promised to speed up the boundary fence and access control, to ensure that the campus is sufficiently lit at night and install surveillance cameras in strategic locations.
He asked the university community to join hands with management in the fight for the safety and well-being of all women, to create a secure environment for young women.
