The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is concerned at a recent incident of harassment of a female student at the University of Zululand (UniZulu). Images in print and social media reveal a young female student wearing a t-shirt and shorts, being harassed by fellow students. The student is clearly being taunted by a crowd, laughing, pointing at her and taking pictures of her on their cell phones. It is reported that these images have been widely distributed on social media websites, causing great distress to the young student.
The CGE is very concerned at this reported harassment. Apart from the individual devastation of the young woman concerned, and the impact this incident may have on her dignity, well being and her studies, we are of the view that this kind of behaviour and attitudes of students can easily lead to incidents of sexual harassment and gender based violence.
The CGE has immediately engaged with senior management at UniZulu, to indicate our concern, and request an urgent meeting with Management and student representatives. The CGE is encouraged by the positive response received from the university, which has put together a team to address this incident.
The CGE has requested information on University interventions in response to this incident, particularly against instigators thereof, but in addition, further interventions to address gender based violence and sexual harassment on campus. The CGE will particularly be monitoring appropriate policy and awareness interventions to address harassment of female students through social media and to tackle gender discrimination and gender based violence in particular.
Contact person:
Makhosazana Nxumalo
Tel: 031 305 2105
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
