Fostering a safer community for all

A powerful collaboration between the W&RSETA, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, and the Department of Retail Business Management recently hosted a Transformative Workshop aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV), inspiring change, and fostering a safer community for all.

In this workshop, the Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), in collaboration with CPUT, invited students to engage in an interactive and empowering session dedicated to tackling GBV through meaningful dialogue, education, and practical practices. Jonathan Aspeling, a lecturer in Retail Business Management, emphasised that this event was vital for raising awareness among students about the critical issues of GBV and femicide, providing a platform for student voices to resonate. Aspeling, who is also the project manager, commended the facilitation team for their extensive experience in GBV awareness training and support, ensuring that the workshop's goals of enhancing awareness and equipping participants with practical tools were successfully met.

“The workshops have reduced stigma, encouraging help-seeking, equipped students to support survivors, challenged harmful attitudes, and promoted a culture of accountability and equality.” 

He said the workshops benefit students by enhancing their awareness of GBV under the banner of “Not in my Name”, adding that the GBV awareness workshops are funded by the W&RSETA and hosted by the Retail Business Management Department, but have resulted in dynamic partnerships within the Business Management and Sciences Faculty and between different faculties. “Creating awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence prevalent in our communities and country, ensuring that our CPUT community is not only aware but is also encouraged to speak out, support, and address correct attitudes.”

Thuli Mjwara, the Strategic Advocacy Coordinator at IAM, facilitated the workshop. During a participatory exercise, students identified societal factors that contribute to GBV, including patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and restrictions on women’s choices. The session also emphasised the process of obtaining a protection order and explained important legal documents, such as the J88 form and victim impact statements, which are essential when reporting cases to the South African Police Service.

 “I believe this workshop will foster meaningful change, as it equips students with immediate access to a comprehensive directory of support services available within the Western Cape province. By empowering victims and first responders with this vital information, we take a crucial step towards ensuring timely assistance and intervention. Eradicating gender-based violence requires not only raising awareness but also making support services easily accessible to all, enabling survivors to report incidents and hold perpetrators accountable. This approach strengthens our collective effort to create safer communities.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za