Wits condemns sexual violence with Silent Protest
PARKTOWN - For the second time since its inception by Rhodes University seven years ago, Wits will join the annual Silent Protest by adding its voice to thousands of volunteers.
Mouths duct-taped shut for eight hours, students and volunteers will participate in the march on Friday, 15 August from 8am at the Wits Braamfontein Campus East.
The Counselling and Careers Development Unit at Wits will join forces with the Dean of Student Affairs’ Office, the Division of Student Affairs, the Wits Transformation and Employment Equity Office, the Students’ Representative Council, the Student Development and Leadership Union, and Drama for Life in the Wits School of Arts to condemn sexual violence of any nature.
They will also support survivors and encourage the reporting of sexual violence acts, along with other institutions of higher learning to join the Silent Protest. An act of solidarity with survivors of rape and sexual violence, it aims to draw public attention to the realities of sexual violence and to demand better support services for survivors.
After the Silent Protest march, participants will be addressed by rape survivors on the Senate House Concourse in the Senate House building, Braamfontein Campus East. The event will be followed by a debriefing session in the Great Hall.
Workshops and several events will follow in the days after the march and in tribute to the resilience and courage of all survivors, a tree wrapping event will be held from 25 to 29 August on the Wits Library lawns. People will be invited to pin notes of support and encouragement to the fabric throughout the week.
Details: @RUSilentWits on Twitter
