Excitement is in the air as the National Community of Practitioners (NCOP) #universitiesagainstGBVF gears up for its 5th Bi-Annual Conference, set to take place from 1 to 3 July 2024 at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The theme for this conference is "Accelerating Gender Equality for a Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Future in Higher Education."

Over the past couple of years, the NCOP has grown to include major South African universities and has made significant strides in cultivating a community committed to ensuring a coordinated effort towards addressing gendered harms. This involves acknowledging and mitigating the various forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence that individuals may face based on their gender identity, diversity and inclusivity or expression.

The 5th Bi-Annual Conference of the NCOP promises to be a dynamic and enriching event. With a line-up of esteemed speakers covering a wide range of topics, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights, engage in meaningful discussions and forge new connections within the community.

This conference will also provide an opportunity for practitioners to share best practices, discuss challenges, and to strategise on ways to promote gender equity, diversity and inclusion in the respective institutions.

The conference boasts an impressive line-up of expert speakers and will address a range of topics.

Here are just a few highlights that attendees can look forward to:

Day 1: 1 July 2024

Higher Health: Higher Health has been at the forefront of promoting health and wellness among students. Their insights promise to shed light on pressing issues facing the students of today with regard to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), inter-partner violence, and how to deal with GBVF at residences and private accommodation.

• National Prosecuting Authority (NPA): The NPA's perspective will provide invaluable insights into legal matters relevant to the community of practitioners.
• National Student Cohort – Survivor Series: This segment will give a platform to student voices, allowing them to share their experiences and perspectives on various topics relevant to the theme of the conference. It is a unique opportunity for attendees to understand the challenges and triumphs of the upcoming generation.

Day 2: 2 July 2024

• University College Dublin: This renowned institution will offer insights into global trends and best practices in the field.
• Kwanele Group South Africa: This organisation is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, while also bringing expertise in community development and empowerment. They promise to inspire attendees with their success stories and strategies.

Day 3: 3 July 2024

• 20th Birthday Celebration Cocktail
• Gala Dinner: The conference will conclude with a gala dinner featuring the following distinguished guests:
  • Caster Semenya: A celebrated athlete and advocate, her presence is sure to inspire attendees.
  • Lalela Mswane: Crowned Miss South Africa in 2021, Lalela will offer unique perspectives on community building and empowerment.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://www.nwu.ac.za/date/national-conference-gbvf-diversity-and-inclusivity

The NWU's local Organising committee (NWUlOC) led by Mr Ujeet Maharaj, prosecutor and head of Student Judicial Services on the Vanderbijlpark Campus and national chairperson for the convening group of Advocacy and Awareness NCOP #UniversitiesagainstGBV.
In the from left are Mr Selamolela, Mr Makoro, Mrs Makaku, Ms Sepe and Mr Dingiswayo. In the back from left are Mr De Lange, Mr Maharaj, Mrs Lalla, Mrs Parson, Ms de Kock, Ms Molapo and Mr Joseph.

A note of welcome by Mr Lucas N Makoro, manager of Student Judicial Services.