The Equality Unit (EqU) at Stellenbosch University (SU) has embarked on a visual arts social media project that addresses unfair discrimination and harassment, HIV/Aids, and other social injustices. This interactive and inclusive project commenced yesterday (4 August) with the publishing of six 2-4 minute videos portraying sensitive and topical issues currently high on the national agenda.
The topics under discussion include defining race, why it is important to choose your pronouns, talking to your sexual partner about contraceptives, male rape and sexual violence, masculinity and catcalling.
Mr Jaco Greeff Brink, Head: EqU, says they want to encourage students, staff, youth and the community to exchange thoughts and ideas, and give their perspectives on the topics that highlighted in the video series. Every Tuesday for five weeks, a video will be posted on the Unit's Instagram page. On Wednesdays at 19:00, these posts will be followed by a live Instagram discussion with various project partners and collaborators like the Womxn and Queer Empowerment (“WAQE") from SU's Student Representative Council (SRC); QueerUS; Spectrum; Rape Crisis; Sonke Gender Justice; Institute for Justice and Reconciliation; Ahmed Kathrada Foundation; activist Guiseppi Guerandi and South African actress and singer, Alexis Petersen.
Petersen plays different roles in the videos. Instagram followers can comment and ask questions about the videos. These comments and questions will form part of the live discussions.
“Universities and society as a whole are dealing with immensely complicated and challenging issues around gender-based violence, sexual health, understanding sexualities, racism, toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and the list goes on. By embarking on the project and highlighting these challenges, we hope it will create a robust dialogue and unpack these very important issues that we face daily," says Brink.
The Unit encourages students and staff to follow @EqualityUnitSU on Instagram and join the conversation.
- The EqU offers various services and supports SU's staff and students like facilitating the lodging of formal and informal complaints of unfair discrimination, harassment, victimisation and abuse, while helping with HIV prevention, testing and counselling and rendering Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Pansexual (LGBTQIA+) support services.
To report and lodge a complaint of unfair discrimination, harassment or sexual violence, email unfair@sun.ac.za. For HIV/Aids and sexualities-related support, email hiv@sun.ac.za.
