Education: Minister tackles on-campus gender-based violence

A draft policy framework for addressing gender-based violence in ‘the post-school education and training system’ was released yesterday for comment by 1 June, reports Pam Saxby for Legalbrief Policy Watch.  Its purpose is to provide direction to tertiary education institutions in their efforts to identify ‘effective responses and solutions to what is clearly a deeply complex … challenge’. This is according to a foreword from Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor, who is concerned that the problem is now ‘entrenched’ in SA’s ‘social fabric’. This is noting that ‘a society that does not support notions of authority and control over women, and does not tolerate violence against women, is more likely to reduce gender-based violence’.

The draft framework is underpinned by three strategic objectives: creating an enabling environment for policy implementation; introducing comprehensive prevention programmes that would include awareness raising; and ensuring access to specialised support and assistance. Most importantly, each strategic objective is unpacked in a detailed action plan among other things assigning specific responsibilities to the Minister, the department and the tertiary education institutions themselves. It is envisaged that, as the basis for creating an enabling environment for policy implementation, the Minister would establish a special investigation task team expected to report within six months on ‘the extent and scope of sexual offences directed at staff and students’ – with recommendations on how to address the problem at an institutional level.

Issues raised in the context of developing effective programmes for preventing gender-based violence on campus include the conduct of ‘third parties’ (sub-contracting service providers are one example); workplace-based learning (in hospitals and schools); the risks associated with using public transport to participate in compulsory after-hours activities; student diversity; the drinking and drugs culture; initiation practices and residency rituals; and ‘sex for marks’. Regarding access to specialised support and assistance, the draft policy framework notes the possible need for regulations, including norms, standards and guidelines for reporting incidents; a register of offenders to inform the recruitment of council and staff members; and a ‘whistle-blowing mechanism’. Accountability and oversight are also explored.

Follow Pam Saxby on Twitter (@SaxbyPam)