The North-West University (NWU) will take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV) during the Varsity Football tournament, demonstrating its commitment to promoting a safer and more equitable society.
In collaboration with Student and Counselling Development, the university's football team aims to rally students and sports enthusiasts to stand united against the prevailing scourge of GBV that plagues our communities.
“Joining forces with Varsity Sports 2023, the NWU aims to show unwavering support against all forms of violence directed towards any individual due to their gender," says Vuyo Sambo, NWU football manager.
“Football as a sport holds a unique significance in South Africa's history and has transcended beyond being merely a game. Drawing on this legacy, it can play a central role in the nation's most critical fight in the post-apartheid era: the battle against GBV,” he adds.
According to Lerato Wana, manager of Student and Counselling Development, GBV extends beyond physical actions; it manifests in everyday language, jokes, and seemingly harmless comments that demean marginalised communities like the LGBTQ+ community.
“Historically, society has imposed rigid gender roles and norms on children, which often have a negative impact on their health, lives, and economic prospects. These long-lasting effects often lead to cycles of abuse and violence, continuing within families and communities for generations.
"To create lasting change, we must prevent GBV before it takes root, particularly by focusing on our youth. As an institution of higher learning, the NWU plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of these young minds. It is crucial to teach them that GBV is neither normal nor acceptable," says Lerato.
The NWU campaign will engage with spectators and spread its message far and wide through digital media. By harnessing the power of social platforms, cultural gatherings, and community and sports events, the initiative aims to portray GBV as unacceptable and immoral under any circumstances. It seeks to foster discussions about the detrimental health, social, and economic consequences that GBV inflicts on individuals and society.
By leveraging the influence of sports and education, the NWU aspires to instil a sense of responsibility, respect, and solidarity among its students and supporters, paving the way for a future free from the clutches of GBV.
