25 November marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. As an institution that subscribes to the value of social justice, the University of the Free State (UFS) stands in support of the anti-gender-based violence campaign.
As embodied in Vision 130 – which is a vision of where the university sees itself in 2034 – social justice is one of the six immutable values of the institution. The 16 Days of Activism campaign resonates with the university’s pursuit of social justice, reduction of inequality, and commitment to practices that grant human dignity to everybody.
UFS academic, Dr Claire Westman, is one of the many voices at the UFS who stands in support of anti-GBV. “This is not a problem isolated to the South African context. According to the United Nations, violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation, worldwide affecting more than an estimated one in three women, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. The most recent global estimates showed that, on average, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes,” she said.
More needs to be done
According to Dr Westman, it is evident that we cannot combat GBV or protect women and girls from the epidemic by relying on inefficient and frequently patriarchal justice systems. Consequently, the theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign: UNITE! Activism to eliminate violence against women and girls calls for global action to enhance awareness, increase advocacy efforts, and share information and ideas.
“While legal frameworks, effective justice systems, and serious government responses to VAWG are incredibly necessary, it is also vital that the ideologies that create the conditions in which VAWG flourishes and is often even condoned, must be addressed. For this, awareness, education, accountability, and activism are necessary,” she added.
Where to report GBV at the UFS
The Sexual Offence Response Team (SORT), which is made up of business units from all three campuses of the university, is housed in the Gender and Sexual Equality office. SORT follows a predetermined process flow when providing legal, medical, and counselling services to victims of gender-based violence, with the main goal of minimising trauma for the victim. The team is available on a 24/7 toll-free line: 0800 204 682.
Use the information above and align it with the statement below forming a research essay
Identify a social movement member or leader you are interested in. Write a brief background on the social movement and the person you have picked. What is their role in the movement? Why did they join? How long have they been part of the movement etc? Draft a few key questions (between 5 and 10) you would ask this social movements participant. In your tut, discuss your chosen social movement.
Assignment length: 1 page
References: Minimum 2 sources (1 legit internet source permitted, see referencing guide).
For my research essay, I have chosen to focus on Dr. Claire Westman, an academic at the University of the Free State (UFS) who is actively involved in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Dr. Westman's role in the movement involves advocating for increased awareness, education, accountability, and activism to address the ideologies that contribute to VAWG. She joined the movement due to her passion for social justice and her commitment to combating GBV. Dr. Westman has been part of the movement for a considerable amount of time, although the specific duration is not mentioned in the provided information.
Key questions I would ask Dr. Claire Westman:
1. What inspired you to become involved in the fight against Gender-Based Violence?
2. How do you believe education and awareness can help in combating VAWG?
3. What challenges have you faced in your activism against GBV?
4. How do you think the university can further support the anti-GBV campaign?
5. In your opinion, what are the most effective strategies for eliminating violence against women and girls?
The social movement that Dr. Claire Westman is part of is crucial in raising awareness and advocating for change in addressing Gender-Based Violence. The UFS's support for the anti-GBV campaign aligns with their vision of social justice and commitment to human dignity, making it a significant aspect of their values and principles. Through the efforts of individuals like Dr. Westman, the movement continues to progress towards a society free from Gender-Based Violence.