University of Mpumalanga management, students, staff and stakeholders came in large numbers to witness the launch of the Gender Forum, which was held in the Multi-purpose Hall at the Mbombela Campus.
The launch, opened by the Dean of Students Dr Paul Maminza, comes a few months after the university was highly praised by the Commission for Gender Equality for complying with its recommendations, and for the strides the institution has made to address gender transformation on its campuses.
The university has had an Interim Gender Forum, which has proven to be an invaluable structure with which the institution has been advancing gender equality on it campuses.
UMP Gender Forum acting spokesperson Dr Nozwakazi Maqubela, said the forum will assist in creating mechanisms of transformation that will address gender imbalances and disparities in the institution.
“The Forum will act as an advisory body on gender-based and -related issues, and also assist with creating opportunities, and implementing mechanisms to transform existing inequalities,” she said.
Dr Maqubela continued that the forum will participate in the development and review of a gender policy and will also act on reported gender injustices and gender-based violence within the institution."
Far-reaching influence and implications
Keynote speaker Ms Spino Fante from the Department of Higher Education and Training saluted the University of Mpumalanga for launching the Gender Forum and making it a priority at a time in South Africa where gender-based violence is at an unprecedented high.
Speaking on social inclusion and equality, she touched on the various ways in which gender plays a role in absolutely every aspect of our daily lives, without us even realising it. Making this forum all the more important. Not only in combatting gender-based violence, but also gender-based prejudice, exclusion and discrimination.
Ms Fante continued and suggested that the Forum address systematic barriers that have long been in place and how these affect female students – as well as other marginalised groups like people with disabilities.
“We’ve come to realise that women often occupy lower levels and are not adequately represented higher up in most cases. Then we have to ask ourselves: Are we not good enough? Why are we not being represented?"
She further emphasised the importance of looking at policies and if they truly represent the needs of women and encourage their advancement.
The University of Mpumalanga executives and stakeholders at the gender forum launch.
Individual accountability – collective responsibility
One of the important points Ms Fante raised was that gender transformation was not just a forum. The responsibility and accountability rests with each and every individual to make and advance the necessary changes. “In you area, what are you doing and how are you involved in transforming?” she asked.
"As an individual, the various ways in which you participate and act have far-reaching consequences on the gender front. What you study as a female, how you engage as a male, do you play into the traditional roles, are you studying something because it is what women are expected to study? On the social front, do you accept everyone as they are, do you create safe spaces for those who are different? All of these issues become and are engendered. And need to be addressed by a forum such as this.'
She further encouraged the use and implementation of policies to deal with specific issues. “Some people say we like to come up with policies, but the development of policies is fundamental. It means you are actively coming up with solutions. If this happens, this is how we will deal with it.”
Ms Fante concluded by saying that people need to be attentive about their actions and that it is important to have training on how to prevent issues that may continually arise around gender.
“Your social media pages: What are posting about as an individual or as an institution? What are these messages saying about what this institution stands for?
“Your effectiveness will be measured by what change you have brought to and within your institution. The Gender Forum is the perfect coordinating structure for such issues – but do not work alone, get everyone involved.”
Going forward
At the event the representatives of university societies such as ENACTUS and Sister Sister presented their organisations and how they assist students with issues surrounding gender-based violence.
The University of Mpumalanga has always strived to create a safe space for staff and students. A few organisations such as Sister Sister and Safe Spaces were launched to help curb on-campus gender-based violence and to create awareness surrounding issues pertaining to gender.
The institution will continue with the great work they have been doing by organising campaigns, dialogues, symposia as well as seminars, workshops and other strategies to create gender awareness and education within the institution.
Entertainment on the day was provided by UMP performers, comedian Da Queen and musician Artchaar.
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture @Chrisclphoto