Nobody's business: Proposals for reducing gender-based violence at a South African university

Abstract

abstract This ‘Open forum’ outlines proposals developed to reduce gender-based violence (GBV) at a South African university. It argues against simply viewing GBV as a security problem—GBV can only be effectively tackled if measures are developed to change the underlying social norms and overall institutional culture. Specific strategies include breaking the cultures of silence around GBV, establishing clear and visible norms for social behaviour, providing victims with effective support mechanisms, and having an effective body specifically mandated to develop policy and practices around GBV. They also include providing all students with intellectual opportunities to reflect on their own values and practices in order to develop a clear understanding of the impact of violent and discriminatory social behaviours, and to enhance positive skills for participating in diverse social environments. In conclusion, it is argued that implementing these proposals requires establishment of centres of authority within universities to develop and implement institutional reform based on comprehensive understandings of GBV.