CPUT’s Institutional Gender-Based Violence Position Statement will officially be launched today (August 16).
Students and staff have been invited to attend the event, which will be held at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville campus between 10 am and 2 pm.
The host of speakers will include Buti Manamela: Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training and Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Country Director: UN Women.
In addition to the speakers the CPUT Choir, the CPUT Drama Group and other groups will perform.
“According to research findings by the SA Medical Research Council, one woman is killed by her intimate partner every eight hours, the highest incidence in the world,” said Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit.
“The statement provides the university’s position and response to gender-based violence at the institution, highlighting the safety of students and staff, especially survivors of gender-based violence. It also intends to take a serious stance against alleged perpetrators.”
She said the Men’s Forum aims to involve men in being part of the solution in the fight against gender-based violence.
“We’ve already started a campaign, called the Amajitas Men’s Campaign, where a number of discussions amongst and about men took place and some male students and staff have already joined the forum.”
The men will read a pledge against gender-based violence during today’s function.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
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