Media invitation to a roundtable with Minister Blade Nzimande on youth health and wellness in the Higher Education sector
Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future
The lifetime risk of experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) is 45.6% for South African women; well above the global average of 35% (WHO). Sexual gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence are amongst the most prevalent forms of GBV young women aged 16-25 years are especially vulnerable towards (UNICEF).
The post-school education and training sector (PSET) is home to over 2,5 million youth, where more than 51% of these are adolescent girls & young women between the ages of 15 – 24 years old. With statistics indicating that 10% of all reported rape cases comes from the higher education sector (MRC) woman students fall squarely into this high-risk demographic and sexual assault and violence against women on campuses is a major concern.
The PSET sector is a microcosm of society, reflecting the pertinent societal issues that we as a country are faced with. The same sector also has high incidence of mental ill-health because of gender disadvantage, poverty, health crises, economic inequalities, gender violence, HIV and alcohol and substance abuse.
This roundtable aims to affect a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to improving the mental health status of women in the PSET sector.
Join us on Monday, 22 August at Constitutional Hill at 9.30 where the roundtable will:
- Amplify the voices and priorities of women in institutions of higher learning
- Engage men, young boys and challenge masculinities in the PSET sector
- Provide participants a unique opportunity to learn from first-hand experience and recommendations from the affected parties
- Draw attention to the critical challenges to preventing and responding to GBV, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse in institutions of higher learning
- Advocate for solidarity around the rights of women and the fight against gender-based violence
- Need for CIVIC EDUCATION in our society in order to challenge toxic social norms
- Protocols and minimum standards as part of the Higher Education GBV Framework 2020, on managing cases of sexual violence on campuses
- See government actors commit to strengthen the prevention, risk and response to GBV, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse.
The programme will be moderated by Leanne Manas.
|
SPEAKER |
TOPIC |
TIME |
|
Prof. Puleng – Chairperson of GBV Technical Task team and VC of UNISA |
Welcome |
10 mins |
|
Dr (Professor) Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of HIGHER HEALTH and Erica Emdon – GBV Technical Advisor |
GBV strides made and what needs to be done in the PSET sector since the launch of the DHET GBV policy framework |
15 mins |
|
Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi : Director General DHET |
Introduction of the Key Note address |
5mins |
|
Honourable Minister: Dr Blade Nzimande |
Opening key address |
30 mins |
|
Round table with panellists |
Moderated by Leeann Manas |
|
|
TVET peer survivor |
Real testimonies & lessons learnt |
5 mins |
|
University peer survivor: Lindelwa Mhlakaza |
Real testimonies & lessons learnt |
5 mins |
|
Reformed Perpetrator: Sylvester Mashilo |
Real testimonies & lessons learnt |
5 mins |
|
Technical experts
|
Topics:
|
60 mins |
|
Honourable Minister: Dr Blade Nzimande |
Closing Remarks |
10 mins |
|
Director-General: Nkosinathi Sishi, Dr |
Vote of thanks |
5 mins |
|
Media Q&A |
Members of the media |
20 mins |
Media are asked to confirm attendance and interview requests in advance by contacting Leigh-Ann Carey Leigh-annc@meropa.co.za by Friday, 19 August 2022.
