21 August 2022
Media invitation to a roundtable with Minister Blade Nzimande on youth health and wellness in the Higher Education sector
Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future
The lifetime risk of experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) is 45.6% for South African women; well above the global average of 35% (WHO). Sexual gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence are amongst the most prevalent forms of GBV young women aged 16-25 years are especially vulnerable towards (UNICEF).
The post-school education and training sector (PSET) is home to over 2,5 million youth, where more than 51% of these are adolescent girls & young women between the ages of 15 – 24 years old. With statistics indicating that 10% of all reported rape cases comes from the higher education sector (MRC) woman students fall squarely into this high-risk demographic and sexual assault and violence against women on campuses is a major concern.
The PSET sector is a microcosm of society, reflecting the pertinent societal issues that we as a country are faced with. The same sector also has high incidence of mental ill-health because of gender disadvantage, poverty, health crises, economic inequalities, gender violence, HIV and alcohol and substance abuse.
This roundtable aims to affect a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to improving the mental health status of women in the PSET sector.
Join us on Monday, 22 August at Constitutional Hill at 9.30 where the roundtable will:
Amplify the voices and priorities of women in institutions of higher learning
Engage men, young boys and challenge masculinities in the PSET sector
Provide participants a unique opportunity to learn from first-hand experience and recommendations from the affected parties
Draw attention to the critical challenges to preventing and responding to GBV, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse in institutions of higher learning
Advocate for solidarity around the rights of women and the fight against gender-based violence
Need for CIVIC EDUCATION in our society in order to challenge toxic social norms
Protocols and minimum standards as part of the Higher Education GBV Framework 2020, on managing cases of sexual violence on campuses
See government actors commit to strengthen the prevention, risk and response to GBV, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse.
The programme will be moderated by Leanne Manas.
SPEAKER
TOPIC
TIME
Prof. Puleng – Chairperson of GBV Technical Task team and VC of UNISA
Welcome
10 mins
Dr (Professor) Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of HIGHER HEALTH and Erica Emdon – GBV Technical Advisor
GBV strides made and what needs to be done in the PSET sector since the launch of the DHET GBV policy framework
15 mins
Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi : Director General DHET
Introduction of the Key Note address
5mins
Honourable Minister: Dr Blade Nzimande
Opening key address
30 mins
Round table with panellists
Moderated by Leeann Manas
TVET peer survivor
Real testimonies & lessons learnt
5 mins
University peer survivor: Lindelwa Mhlakaza
Real testimonies & lessons learnt
5 mins
Reformed Perpetrator: Sylvester Mashilo
Real testimonies & lessons learnt
5 mins
Technical experts
Nompendulo Mkhatshwa Technical expert parliamentary portfolio committee Higher Education
Ms Tamara Mathebula- CGE Chairperson
Ms. Z Aryetey – Principal at Elangeni TVET College and SACPO Treasure General
Gcinile Khumalo: SAUS – Gender specialist
SATVETSA – Gender specialist
Mr. Des Ayob: CAMPROSA – Campus safety
Rev. Bafana Khumalo – Sonke Gender Justice
Topics:
GBVF, Mental Health, Human Rights, Drug and alcohol abuse situation within the PSET sector, both nationally and globally
Higher Education response to GBVF, Mental Health, Civic educations, Drug and alcohol abuse within the PSET Sector
HIGHER HEALTH model for GBV, Mental Health, Human Rights, Drug and alcohol abuse programme implementation at a campus level
Role of technology and innovation towards engaging GBV, Mental Health, Drug and alcohol abuse and civic education programming
Masculine norms and violence : Making the connections
60 mins
Honourable Minister: Dr Blade Nzimande
Closing Remarks
10 mins
Director-General: Nkosinathi Sishi, Dr
Vote of thanks
5 mins
Media Q&A
Members of the media
20 mins
Media are asked to confirm attendance and interview requests in advance by contacting Leigh-Ann Carey Leigh-annc@meropa.co.za(link sends e-mail) by Friday, 19 August 2022.
Source: South African Government
