Stellenbosch University
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Parenting for Change : Teaching children about consent and bodily autonomy
Start: 29/07/2022, 10:30
End: 29/07/2022, 12:30
Contact:Grizelda Adams -
Location: MS Teams

​It is safe to say most parents/caregivers find speaking to their child(ren) about consent and bodily autonomy too daunting. We may not know how to do it and are worried about doing it “right" – right age, stage and words. Maybe we did not get the whole conversation from our own parents.

Though a lot has changed since we were kids, talking with children about consent and bodily autonomy does not need to be a dreaded part of parenting. Do you want to get the talks started ASAP? This workshop aims to emphasize the importance of having clear and honest discussions about consent matters, body autonomy and physical boundaries by creating a space of reflection and connection for parents. We will also discuss strategies and ways in which we can have effective conversations with our children on these topics so that they trust you and confide in you when they have questions and concerns.

About the Facilitator: 

Qaqamba Mdaka is a wife to Sivuyile and a mother to an 8-year-old named Phawulothando (Phawu) and a 3-year-old lad named Mduduma (Joshy). She is working as a case coordinator within the Equality Unit at Stellenbosch University (SU). She was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape and studied at the University of Fort Hare, where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work. In 2016 she obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in HIV and AIDS management at SU and is currently enrolled for a Master's degree in Social Work. 

Before joining Stellenbosch University, Qaqamba spent five years working for the Department of Social Development as a Social Worker specializing in Victim Empowerment. Part of the role included a lot of statutory work like writing victim impact reports for the court in cases of sexual assault as well as playing the role of an intermediary in the High Court with children who have been victims of sexual assault – which prepared her for the current role.

At SU, Qaqamba is responsible for coordinating and managing the assessment and reporting process of cases related to unfair discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment and victimization. She is also responsible for developing institutional training and interaction opportunities for students and staff in relation to various social justice topics like consent matters among students, conflict resolution and basic empathy and mediation. She is passionate about advocating for fairness, changing perspectives, and shifting mindsets.

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