As the globe prepares to mark the 16 days of activism against Gender-based violence this month end, South Africa continues to grapple with the alarming rate of violence.
In a recent incident, which went viral on social media, a Cape Peninsula University of Technology student was reportedly stabbed by a man believed to be her husband, only a day after University of the Western Cape students marched on a campaign against gender-based violence.
South Africa has experienced a rising number of incidences of gender-based violence and femicide and intimate partner violence in institutions of higher learning in the recent past. It is evident that more efforts are required from the Higher Education sector to establish mechanisms to deal effectively with this challenge. What is seen in these institutions mirrors the challenges seen in the society, where gender based violence remains high.
“We are aware that the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande has previously made pronouncements against gender-based violence and femicide in the Higher Education sector. We call for more targeted action in setting up appropriate systems that must ensure that all students are safe in campuses and in residences attached to these institutions. Such actions must include an improved policy on security for the community in higher education and clear accountability mechanism where such policies have been violated’’ said Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice and Co-Chairperson of the Global MenEngage Alliance.
‘’The criminal justice system must also ensure that the alleged perpetrator in this case, is held fully accountable for his actions and faces the full might of the law” he adds.
Women and girls have equal right to life and to live in a violent free society, it is for that reason that Sonke calls for tougher laws and stringent implementation of penalties against the perpetrators of such heinous crimes, to deter them and curb the scourge of violence in the country.
Issued by Sonke Gender Justice.
For media enquiries contact
Kgomotso Mophulane, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, Sonke Gender Justice on kgomotso@genderjustice.org.za or 0835196187.
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance: bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 5784479.
Note to editors
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/
