In early 2024, the North-West University (NWU) participated in a research study conducted by the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). The main aim of the study was to get an understanding of the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment (SH) at higher education institutions and focused on three universities including the NWU. The NWU viewed the study as crucial towards building a knowledgebase that can assist in addressing the scourge of GBV and Sexual Harassment in our country, particularly within the higher education sector, hence our participation in the study and the subsequent policy dialogue and panel discussion.
The research report was released in early December, followed by a policy dialogue which took place on 10 December 2024. The NWU participated in the policy dialogue and highlighted that although the university has the necessary policies and processes in place, these are regularly reviewed to ensure that the structures, systems, processes and procedures are adequate and responsive to the problem. A total of twenty-six (26) NWU participants including staff, student leaders, and students representing various demographics took part in the research study. We will address and deal comprehensively with the issues raised and the recommendations made; we hope that a follow-up study will be conducted soon.
Feedback from stakeholders such as students, staff, and organisations such as the CGE is crucial in ensuring that our policy and systems review processes and interventions to address GBV and Sexual Harassment are transparent, efficient, and effective.
We note the research findings and recommit ourselves to work with all relevant stakeholders to,
- Create an environment that is hostile and unwelcoming to perpetrators of GBV and Sexual Harassment
- Simplify the processes of responding to GBV and Sexual Harassment reported cases, while adhering to the principle of ethic of care for the affected parties
- Continuously review policies and processes, and capacitate the structures that are responsible for addressing GBV, Sexual Harassment, and other related cases;
- Intensify our campaigns and educational projects and activities aimed at raising awareness and conscientising students and staff regarding GBV and SH; and
- Proactively encourage students and staff to report incidents of GBV and Sexual Harassment that may be occur in all areas of the NWU.
The table below shows some of the findings contained in the report and the NWU comments and actions that will be taken to address the issues and enhance processes.
RESEARCH FINDING
COMMENT/ACTION(S)
Students are engaging in sex work to survive
It is painful to learn about this practice. The NWU has various programmes in place to assist students financially and offer basic needs for students to sustain themselves. Various structures such as the Student Finance and Student Life portfolios work with student leaders to assist students in need. The NWU partners with relevant organisations that offer youth development and empowerment programmes to create awareness about a range of issues/challenges including wellness, financial management, and healthy lifestyle.
This is a complex issue that needs a broader societal understanding and response.
Most focus group participants indicated they did not know of any SH or GBV policies at the institution
The university has a policy on Sexual Harassment and GBV, including a Standard Operations Procedure (SOP) on addressing GBV cases. Section 73(d) of the NWU Statute and the Manual on Student Discipline, Rule 12.2.2.13-15 address the issue. These policies are available on our website.
We will work with student leaders in various structures to implement awareness campaigns and ensure broader reach and impact of the policies and rules.
Under-reporting of incidents
We have noted with concern that the GBV and Sexual Harassment cases seem to be under-reported. Although it is unfortunate, the trend mirrors the national or societal challenge where under-reporting of incidents and withdrawal of cases seem prevalent. While respecting the wishes of the complainants not to report the cases, it must also be noted that it is their right not to proceed with cases should they not wish to do so. The SOP of the university on GBVF-related matters also accommodates this aspect. The complainant should not feel victimised further by the institution forcing him/her to report the matter. Some of the reasons are associated with the fear of stigma from peers. The NWU will continue to collaborate with relevant organisations at provincial and national levels to create trust in the system. Furthermore, we will ensure compliance with the latest legislative amendments which place an obligation on institutions to pursue cases regardless of withdrawal or non-reporting.
During 2024, 26 cases were reported at the NWU.
Lack of platforms to report and address SH
The GBV and Sexual Harassment incidents can be reported via the following platforms:
- Protection Services
- House parents of residences
- Counselling services
- Student leadership structures
Awareness campaigns are regularly conducted by relevant internal stakeholders. There are several awareness campaigns that are also held with the university residences, including webinars.
Investigative skills shortage
The university has gone to great lengths to address this issue. The creation of positions for GBV investigators within Protection Services shows the commitment by the university. Student Judicial Services has well-qualified prosecutors/initiators with experience in litigation. This department works together with Protection Services to guide investigations. Additional resources and initiatives are also being explored.
Protection Services has created specialist positions, namely Priority Crimes and GBV and femicide investigators, with a view to catering for and focusing on such cases.
Nothing happens to cases during exam periods
Due to the students’ focus on their academics during examination periods, witnesses/victims/perpetrators tend to not attend scheduled hearings.
The university will continue to raise awareness regarding the reporting of GBV and SH incidents. It has been realised that there is a need for more measures aimed at raising awareness regarding available support structures and the processes and procedures for all students and staff who are affected by GBV and SH.
The CGE report can be found here.
