Students raise voices against plight of GBV
At the height of reports of Gender Based Violence (GBV) targeted at young women, hundreds of male and female students from UKZN’s residences took to the streets on Friday to add their voices against the gruesome plight.
HER SPACE, an organisation for female students established in 2024 under the banner of the Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA), was the driver of a recent march and picnic against GBV, which aimed to embolden efforts against the plight.
The organisation was created in 2024 to provide a safe platform for female students to engage, grow, and support one another.
During the event, there were informative discussions about types of GBV, myths and facts about it, the cycle of abuse, the root causes such as patriarchy, power, cultural and societal norms, manipulation and control, and coercion.
Kwanele Ndebele, the project leader and Residence Life Officer, was impressed with the turnout, especially noting the presence of male students in support of the march.
“The presence of men today shows strengthened solidarity with our female counterparts. Men are often the perpetrators of violence against women, and today their support echoes the desire for some men to change their behavioural patterns.
“The violence against women is witnessed around us, and this initiative aims to educate our vulnerable sisters about GBV and assure them of the available interventions,” Ndebele said.
Also read: The dark reality of GBVF and posting the crimes on social media
The Council on Higher Education (CHE) recognises that GBV in South African universities is an institutional challenge.
“The increasing prevalence of GBV on university campuses is a concern to all law-abiding citizens. The solution is not to condemn higher education in the country, but rather to transform it so that it is focused on promoting social justice and human rights. Universities should be at the forefront of national efforts to curb social injustices and human rights violations, de-normalise GBV, and redirect stereotypes and social biases.
“Managements of universities need to review their policies and ensure that there are policies that seek to address GBV directly. Security personnel on campuses need to be conscientised about GBV and be trained to support victims in getting the incidents reported and the perpetrators brought to book,” said CHE.
The march was a collaborative effort with stakeholders, namely SAPS, the Department of Social Development and Campus HIV/Aids Support Unit and Life Line Durban.
Police reiterated the significance of reporting cases of GBV, highlighting that protection of perpetrators endangers other potential victims.
Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 055 555
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