Students have voiced their frustration at gender-based violence at tertiary institutions.
The inaugural Young Women’s Summit on No Violence Against Women was hosted by Virtuous Jewels at the University of Fort Hare’s Bhisho campus on Saturday.
Virtuous Jewels founder Bea Hackula said the non-profit organisation aimed to create a platform to empower young women to talk about their concerns in light of the recent case of Cheryl Zondi, who suffered sexual abuse for years before she finally broke her silence.
“The latest developments around [pastor Timothy] Omotoso and Cheryl Zondi has really highlighted the plight of women and girls and how the current justice system continues to favour the perpetrator at the expense of the victim in the manner in which these cases are dealt with in the courts of law,” said Hackula.
“There are many young women suffering in silence in a place where they are supposed to be nurtured, developed and mentored – at home, church, school and at the work place.”
Hackula said as a mother, she felt it was important that women did not keep quiet but rather took a stand to empower young girls.
“We need to encourage our girls to take a stand for their rights and hold those who have victimised them accountable,” she said.
A student at the UFH Alice campus alleged the incidents of sex-for-marks at one of the faculties, while a tutor was accused of the same offence in East London.
Commission for Gender Equality’s Nomsisi Bata said they were aware of several gender-based violence cases at the University of Fort Hare, which they were investigating at both the East London and Alice campuses. “The legislation is there, it’s powerful and provides all the support.
“All we need is to enforce implementation,” Bata said.
The provincial department of social development’s Nomfanelo Maxam led a delegation of social workers on site to counsel and support students.
“There are several factors that make women vulnerable, particularly young girls coming from broken families, with a lack of support systems and young girls looking for love and attention, as well as poor socio-economic situations,” Maxam said...