Stellenbosch University
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#WomenofSU: Thembelihle Bongwana
Author: Corporate Communication
Published: 21/08/2019

​​​Stellenbosch University (SU) has a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, and is committed to creating an environment free of gender violence and advancing equal rights for all.

This commitment is reinforced by the Equality Unit through its Gender non-Violence portfolio, which is headed by Thembelihle Bongwana. 

As part of South Africa Women's Month celebrations, Thembelihle shares insight into her work at the University.

What is the role of a Gender non-Violence Coordinator?

My role is to network, promote and form strategic alliances institutionally and outside of SU in the building and coordination of a comprehensive institutional strategy aimed at preventing, raising awareness and monitoring of gender related forms of violence, discrimination and victimization.

Staff and students can also report forms of gender violence, sexual harassment and discrimination at the Equality Unit in person or via unfair@sun.ac.za


You are the first person to hold this portfolio. How did this portfolio come about?

The portfolio came into full existence on the 1st of February 2018, with its foundations rooted in the recommendations of the SU End Rape Culture Report 2016/17. The Equality Unit and management deemed it necessary for a Gender non-Violence Portfolio be created in order to coordinate and monitor gender violence and rape culture in a systemic manner.

The portfolio reports to the Rape Culture Monitoring Committee which exercises an oversight role in relation to the implementation of the recommendations tabled in the #EndRapeCultureReport2016/17.

 

Gender-based violence is a profound and widespread problem in our communities. What role can SU play in addressing this problem?

Gender violence touches every fabric of every society. Many social ills, including domestic violence, social and gender based inequalities disproportionately affect women and other marginalised and vulnerable groups more than their male counterparts.  

As part of society and a key role player, SU must seek to equip its students to be agents of sustainable change in society. The Equality Unit may steer the ship, but we need all our stakeholders on board to make SU live up to its zero-tolerance approach to all forms of unfair discrimination and various forms of harassment.   

Why are you passionate about working in the field of gender?

I think it's safe to say that I was born for this kind of work and my passion for the subject matter comes effortlessly to me. I have always been passionate about the field of gender with my research interest focused on masculinities, gender and development, gendered power dynamics, public eating spaces, gender and science/women in academic institutions.

Do you have a word of encouragement for women?

Women empowerment requires that women themselves pitch up and seize all opportunities presented to them with a sense of purpose and readiness. It is also crucially important for women to constantly be in the know and to seek these opportunities.

 *How to lay a complaint:

Staff and students can report forms of gender violence, sexual harassment and discrimination at the Equality Unit in person or via unfair@sun.ac.za

The unit is not a trauma or crisis support service but a centralised place to report all forms of sexual misconduct as soon as a person is ready to do so.

Trauma or crisis support is available at the Centre of Student Counselling and Development:

  • Stellenbosch campus: 021 808 4994
  • Tygerberg campus: 021 938 9590
  • After hours: ER24 at 010 205 3032