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, which will run until mid-September, consists of six 2–4 minute videos portraying sensitive and topical issues currently high on the national agenda.
The videos are published every Tuesday and focus on topics such as defining race, why it's important to choose your pronouns, talking to your sexual partner about contraceptives, male rape and sexual violence, masculinity and catcalling.
A live follow-up discussion on Instagram takes place on the next Wednesday at 19:00. 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, participate in these discussions.
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.
Viewer numbers of the published videos on contraception, sexual catcalling and masculinity are so far more than 600.
The video on male rape will be published on 25 August, with the discussion taking place on Wednesday evening, 26 August. People are encouraged to participate in the discussions.
Mr Jaco Greeff Brink, Head: EqU, says students, staff, youth and the community can exchange thoughts and ideas, and give their perspectives on the topics that are highlighted in the video series. The videos are posted on the Unit's Instagram page.
“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, robust dialogue is created that unpack these very important issues," says Brink.
The videos can be viewed on @EqualityUnitSU on Instagram.
- The EqU offers various services and supports SU's staff and students with 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.
