Faculty of Arts and Design hosts lecture on Gender Based Violence

DUT staff and students with Associate Professor Mpume Zondi during the gender-based violence lecture. 



The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Arts and Design hosted a lecture on the obscurity of the nature of gender-based violence (GBV), with Associate Professor and Head of Languages at the University of Pretoria, Prof Mpume Zondi, on Friday, 04 October 2019, at the Hotel School Conference Centre, Ritson Campus. 

In her opening statement, Prof Zondi spoke on gender-based violence and the ways in which it manifests itself. She said it’s profound and is a widespread problem affecting almost every aspect of life such as home environments, wider society, work and study spaces.

She shared an overview of a book titled: Unbecoming to Become, this book is written by local author and actress Ayanda Borotho. In her book she talks about being in a toxic relationship that was forcing her to dim her own light for a man. “It is time for us to change the narrative by unbecoming what we are and becoming what we should be. As individuals it is up to us to teach students on the reality of GBV and the effects it leaves behind,” said Prof Zondi.

In her presentation Prof Zondi engaged with the audience on the implications for institutions of higher education. She said as institutions working with young people, it is important to formulate literature that educates students on gender-based violence. She added that academics need to play an active role against gender-based violence, starting by having awareness campaigns for academics and students on campus.
Part of her presentation titled “Importance of naming the victims of GBV” to counter attack the rapid increase of GBV incidences reported each day in the country.

She also emphasised the importance of educating discipline and principles to minors so “They should be taught about themselves and bodies at a young age, in that way both genders will respect and have dignity for one another.” 

-NOMFUNDO NGCOBO AND MNCEDISI JIYANE

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