Fort Hare ushers in Women’s Month with critical dialogue to combat GBV

As we entered August, a month set aside to honour women of the past, present, and future, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) hosted a critical dialogue aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – a widespread phenomenon that continues to plague the women of today.

Organized by the UFH Gender-Based Violence Prevention Unit (GBV PU), in collaboration with the UFH Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa (CLEA), the dialogue focused on a crucial topic: Sexual Consent: Myths, Facts, and Legal Realities.

Speakers included Dr. Sheena Swemmer from the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) at the University of the Witwatersrand, who provided a comprehensive overview of a recent Supreme Court of Appeal judgment relevant to sexual consent, and Dr. Lindsay Kelland, a feminist philosopher based in the Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics at Rhodes University. She shared a compelling account of her experiences and efforts in the fight against GBV.

The event drew a large number of students across the University’s three campuses who actively participated in the discussion held on the Alice campus.

Outlining the event's purpose, CLEA Director Dr. Chris Alsobrook highlighted the significance of informed dialogue to educate the public on consent, starting with debunking the myths and providing the facts and legal realities of sexual consent in relationships.

“The dialogue is premised on the fact that there is a lot of confusion and misreading when it comes to sexual consent. Even renowned and educated advocates get it wrong. So where does it leave ordinary people like us? How are we supposed to know exactly what consent really means? Hence, we decided to have this dialogue for people to get informed and express their opinions and hopefully get clear ground on what consent really means,” said Dr. Alsobrook.

Setting the tone, the discussion commenced with frank opening remarks from UFH Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu. “Consent is at the core of everything. It is a basic element of humanity. No is no, and yes is yes, and everyone knows that. In almost all instances, we often ask a person for their consent, and it is understood very clearly. Why is it that, when it comes to sexual consent, there is a lack of understanding?”

The VC, whose office deals with the appeals of reported cases of GBV at UFH, said: “At the heart of consent is the issue of power. Because one has the power, they think they have consent.”

“Consent is a line drawn in the sand for you and not by you. There is absolutely no excuse for overstepping that line,” the VC asserted.

In her presentation, Dr. Swemmer, who is a human rights lawyer, drew from the cases she has been involved in at the Supreme Court of Appeal to shed light on the legal intricacies and evolving jurisprudence surrounding consent, offering valuable insights into how the legal system addresses and interprets these issues.

Dr. Kelland’s personal narrative and activism highlighted the urgent need for continued advocacy and support for survivors, as well as the role of communities in effecting change.

The presentations were followed by a dialogue session dubbed "Campus Conversation: Let’s Talk About Sexual Consent!" The interactive panel discussion allowed participants to engage in open and robust conversations, ask questions, and reflect on the complex issues surrounding sexual consent.

The event saw three students, Zandile Ndlovu, Siphokazi Tima, and Sikhulule Bukani, walk away with cash prizes as the winners of a consent creative work competition that took place leading up to the day. The prizes were presented by the VC, Dr. Alsobrook, and the Director of the UFH GBV PU, Ms. Nonhlanhla Sibanda Moyo.

At the end of the programme, it was evident that significant progress had been made in challenging misconceptions, providing factual information, and clarifying legal definitions related to sexual consent.

In closing, the UFH GBV PU Investigating Officer, Advocate Palesa Mpapa reiterated the importance of such conversations throughout Women’s Month and beyond in reclaiming a safer UFH.