NWU, VUT to host conference exploring GBF strategies at SA universities

The National Community of Practitioners (NCOP), in collaboration with North-West University (NWU) and Vaal University of Technology (VUT), will host the 5th Bi-Annual National Conference on Gender-Based Violence (GBVF), Diversity, and Inclusivity.

The conference will take place from 1 – 3 July 2024, at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Hosted under the theme “Accelerating Gender Equality for a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Future
in Higher Education,” the conference will be attended by a large delegation of gender practitioners
representing major South African universities.

To weigh in on one of the pressing challenges of our time; gender-based violence and femicide, the gathering will also draw much interest and participation from GBVF concerned groups, researchers, policymakers and activists, as well as key stakeholders within the higher education sector. Over the years, the NCOP has expanded its reach to institutions of higher learning as microcosms of society, significantly advancing efforts to address gendered harms on campuses. This includes recognising and mitigating various forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence faced by individuals based on their gender identity, diversity, and expression.

The conference will also feature an impressive line-up of distinguished speakers who are experts in
their respective fields and thought-provoking panel discussions aimed at exploring strategies to combat
GBVF, promote diversity, and foster inclusivity within university environments. The three-day
conference will cover an array of topics, including gender sensitisation, interrogating issues that
students face on sexual diversity, as well as exploring innovative ways to widen inclusivity for students
with diverse sexual orientation, gender identities, and expression. Notably, another highlight of the
conference will be the discussion of how HEI’s can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat GBVF and
LGBTQIA+ crimes.

The line-up of speakers includes Professors Bismark Tyobeka and Stephen Khehla Ndlovu – the Vice
Chancellors and Principals of the two host universities, NWU and VUT, respectively, and Tumelo Duke
Rasebopye, the National Chairperson of NCOP. There will also be presentations from Higher Health,
Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Campus Protection South Africa (CAMProSA) and Kwanele
Group South Africa, to mention a few.

The event will also feature interactive practical workshops, providing attendees with actionable insights
and tools for creating safer, more inclusive spaces within academia. Additionally, there will be
numerous networking opportunities, allowing stakeholders, academics, students, national and
international delegates to connect and share their passion for advancing equity and social justice in
higher education.

This gathering serves as a vital platform for practitioners to share best practices, discuss challenges,
and strategise on promoting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion within higher education institutions