Message from the Director, Gender, Equity and Diversity: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Subject: UNiTE to End Digital Violence; Our Collective Responsibility During the 16 Days of Activism and Beyond
From November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th , Human Rights Day, our university joins the global community in observing the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. This campaign, marked globally by the color orange as a symbol of a brighter future free from violence, is a crucial moment for us to reflect, raise awareness, and galvanize action against an enduring human rights violation.
The global theme for 2025, set by the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE campaign, is "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls". The digital landscape, while a space for empowerment, has increasingly become a minefield of harassment, abuse, and control for millions. In our academic community, this can manifest as online defamation, cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images (sometimes called "revenge porn"), doxxing, and misogynistic hate speech.
Statistics underscore the urgency. Nearly 90% of young adults in some higher learning institutions have witnessed technology-facilitated GBV, with 39% having experienced it personally. This digital abuse often transitions offline and can have severe, lasting impacts on the physical, mental, and professional well-being of our colleagues and students. It is a pervasive issue that demands our immediate attention and commitment.
As a university community, we have a unique and powerful role to play. Our institution should be a beacon of safety, respect, and equality—a place where everyone can thrive without fear of violence, whether in physical or virtual spaces. Ending GBV is not just a woman's issue; it is a societal issue that requires a whole-of-university approach.
During these 16 days, I urge you to actively engage in the following ways to create a safer environment for all:
- Be an Ally and Speak Out: Challenge sexist behaviors, unequal gender norms, and misogynistic comments wherever you encounter them, both online and offline. Silence enables harm, so if you see something, speak out.
- Educate Yourself and Others on Digital Safety: Learn about the forms of digital violence and how to prevent them. Incorporate online safety education into relevant academic or youth programs where possible. Resources and information are available via the UN Women campaign website and other reputable sources.
- Support Survivors with Empathy: If someone discloses an experience of GBV, respond with empathy and a non-judgmental, survivor-centered approach. Ensure they know where to access formal support services, such as dean of students’ counseling office, health services, or legal aid.
- Advocate for Stronger Policies: Support efforts to implement and enforce strong university policies that explicitly address all forms of GBV, including online abuse. Hold our institution accountable for creating a safe space for everyone.
- Engage Men and Boys as Allies: True progress requires the involvement of all members of our community. Encourage men and boys to actively participate in the conversation and become champions of change to challenge harmful masculinities and promote respectful relationships.
The 16 Days of Activism is a potent amplifier for our message, but our commitment must extend for the other 349 days of the year. Let us use this period to re-energize our collective efforts and embed a culture of zero tolerance for GBV into the very fabric of our university.
Together, we can build a future where every individual can study, work, and live free from the fear and reality of violence.
In solidarity,
Prof. Judith Makwali
Director, Gender, Equity and Diversity
