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By Akani Nkuna
Higher Health SA is tackling gender-based violence through a multifaceted approach, combining skills development with comprehensive support systems to create a safer and inclusive educational setting at tertiary level.
The post-school education and training sector, which is meant to empower 2.5 million youth, is grappling with the GBV crisis, mirroring broader societal issues.
Around 10% of reported rapes in South Africa occur in higher education institutions.
Higher Heath CEO Ramneek Ahluwalia said in a statement that “this is not a linear epidemic that can be addressed with medication; it is a deep-rooted societal challenge, embedded in generations and shaped by history”.
“Higher Health’s most significant focus has been on fostering trust among young people, encouraging them to report cases of GBV,” he said.
Ahluwalia outlined that the alarming rate of sexual violence against young women, with one in three experiencing violence before the age of 21.
He emphasised that it was crucial to shatter the stigma around GBV, encourage reporting and prioritise an approach that protected survivors and ensured justice.
To tackle GBV in tertiary institutions, Higher Health is rolling out a multi-faceted strategy rooted in the principle that “Education as Prevention” is key. A core component of this approach is the incorporation of its civic and soft skills framework into a holistic co-curricular.
“Tackling GBV requires addressing interconnected issues such as mental health, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, transactional sex and unplanned pregnancies – factors closely linked to GBV.
“Additionally, the focus extends to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting broader themes of good citizenship, constitutional awareness, ethical behaviour and understanding systemic structures,” said Ahluwalia.
The national agency’s response to GBV includes engaging men and boys to transform mentalities, structured protocols to address the scourge and building a culture of zero tolerance.
“By addressing GBV through skills development and comprehensive support systems, Higher Health aims to foster a safer, more equitable educational environment, ensuring the well-being and success of all students and staff in our higher learning institutions in South Africa,” said Ahluwalia.
INSIDE EDUCATION