- The scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa has devastating consequences for women. The higher education department will establish units to assist in making universities and colleges safer for students
- The minister encourages institutions to continue working with Higher Health and implement the programmes that seek to address the issues and challenges stemming from Gender Based Violence (GBV)
- Last year Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande revealed that 10% of rape cases reported in South Africa come from institutions of higher learning.
To address the challenges of gender-based violence plaguing the country’s universities and colleges, Nzimande has announced that several programmes aimed towards addressing the challenges of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, within the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system, are being implemented by Higher Health.
PAY ATTENTION: Never miss any Updates – Follow the Demzyportal Facebook Page!
The minister encourages institutions to continue working with Higher Health and implement the programmes that seek to address the issues and challenges stemming from Gender Based Violence (GBV)
Nzimande says instances of GBV are not just devastating for victims and their families but has an impact on the entire higher education sector. They added that GBV entails significant social and economic costs and has dire implications for the sector.
Related News: Students Call For Improved Safety At Universities After Brutal Murder
Additionally, Nzimande announced the launch of the Transforming MENtalities Initiative for the upcoming academic year. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Initiative aims to mobilise men in the fight against GBV.
The Minister said, “As part of dealing with gender-based violence in our institutions, I will be launching the ‘Transforming MENtalities Initiative,’ which will be a multi-stakeholder partnership within the PSET, with a particular focus on mobilising men in our sector to be part of championing a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence and discrimination.”
Nzimande added that Higher Health must ensure that all institutions are working collaboratively with the multi-sectoral PSET GBV technical task team. The task team is chaired by Professor LenkaBula to ensure the effective implementation of the DHET Gender Policy Framework.
Minister Nzimande will also release the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report on sexual harassment and GBV.
Demzyportal Category: News
