Virtual presentation: Art, LGBTQ+ equality and the Constitution (13 August 2021, 12:00-13:00)

13 August 2021
12:00-13:00

In this presentation, Francois Lion-Cachet explores how queer rights are visualised at South Africa's highest court, through artworks that form part of the Constitutional Court Art Collection (CCAC) that speak to LGBTQ+ and gender issues. The equality clause in the Constitution and related landmark Constitutional Court cases for LGBTQ+ equality are also addressed. The notion of inclusive spaces will also be touched on, including the architectural design of the Constitutional Court, but also the work and exhibitions of the NWU Gallery.

This event will take place via Zoom. Please register here.

Short bio: Lion-Cachet, who completed his LLB and LLM at the NWU, is former public programmes coordinator at the NWU Gallery and has since 2018 worked as assistant curator at the Constitutional Court Trust, custodian of the Constitutional Court Art Collection (CCAC). His research interests include how constitutional democracy is visualised in South Africa and what this aesthetic conception means for our understanding and the deliverance of justice. He is part of the NWU Gender Benefit Network, of which a delegation met with LGBTQ+ rights champion Justice Edwin Cameron at the Constitutional Court in 2019.

Online art Exhibitions (9 August - 17 September 2021)

Mantariana Mbokodo Musings

Smile Artists Africa, in collaboration with the North-West University (NWU) Gallery celebrates women’s Month with a showcase of the “Mantariana Mbokodo Musings” Art Exhibition to be held at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU from 9 August 2021 and closing on 17 September 2021.
“Mantariana” celebrates originality, unique creativity, and individual expression. “Mbokodo” on the other hand lays acclaim to the collective power and strength of women. The exhibition is therefore the perfect marriage of “Mantariana Mbokodo” as a collection and celebration of artistic work from five South African female artists, highlighting their unique craft, and the evolution of art and women in South Africa. View this exhibition here

Not another hair show

NOT ANOTHER HAIR SHOW emerges as an exhibition derived from the dissertation titled: HAIR POLITICS: AN EXAMINATION OF THE AESTHETICS OF BLACK FEMALE HAIR IN THE WORK OF SELECT AFRICAN ARTISTS. Written by Tshegofatso Seoka, the dissertation highlights the politics of black hair and hairstyling practices and choices, interrogating the dynamics of beauty within various socio -specific communities in Africa and the diaspora. View this exhibition here

Femmegineering (9-13 August 2021)

9- 13 August

Since 2015, the Femmegineering event is annually hosted in women’s month (August) at the faculty’s facilities in Potchefstroom and in 2020 we moved online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since we were able to reach a much wider audience of girls from all over South Africa and our neighbouring countries, we plan to (at least in part) host it virtually again this year. Read more

To attend Femmegineering 2021, please register here

Modiragatsi (June & July 2021)

June and July 2021

Modiragatsi is an innovation competition for scholars between the ages of 15 and 18 hosted by the NWU Faculty of Engineering and sponsored by merSETA. We hope to inspire the youth of South Africa to identify a problem that they care about and develop a conceptual solution. Read more

Meet NWU women in STEM (August 2021)

Prof Leenta Grobler, Engineering
Motivational message to all females who wish to pursue a career in the sciences

Mrs Mia Mangaroo-Pillay, Industrial Engineering
Inspirational message for young girls who wish to pursue a career as an engineer

Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje, Physical and Chemical Sciences
Accomplishments and a message to our youth

Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell, Nutrition
Optimum nutrition for all

Mrs Martine Voster, Pharmacy.
The Reality of Intangibles (The Role of Gender in Mental Health)
 

Webinar: Non-Traditional Sexuality & Gender Identities (6 August 2021, 08:30-12:00)

6 Aug 2021
08:30 – 12:00

Event and Registration

Understanding sexuality and gender identity in society and the workplace. To create a better understanding of terminology & concepts regarding human sexuality. To promote understanding & tolerance; empowerment towards a healthier, accommodating, constructive working environment.

Programme topics include the below and there will also be a panel discussion.

1. Basic concepts of sexuality (Prof Tiaan Brink, NWU)
2. Psychology: understanding the person (Mr Xander Flemming, NWU)
3. "Straight expectations" in higher education (Prof Jacques Rothmann, NWU and Dr Letitia Smuts, UJ)
4. Responses and approaches

Get the full programme

Webinar: Philosophy and Gender (10 August 2021, 10:00 -11:30)

10 August 2021
10:00 – 11:30

Gender in philosophy: How far have we come? – Prof. Chantelle Gray

This talk gives a broad overview of gender-related issues in the field of philosophy, tackling issues like representation in curricula and conferences; citational politics; theoretical developments and persistent obstacles.

Women in environmental philosophy – Dr Yolandi Coetzer

It is no secret that philosophy has, for literal millennia, been a male-dominated field, and the relatively young field of environmental philosophy is no different. In this talk, however, I aim to highlight the contributions of women philosophers to the field of environmental philosophy, showing how the contributions of women have been necessary to grow the related fields known as ‘ecofeminism’ and ‘ecowomanism’. This talk will show how these scholars have challenged the patriarchal assumptions inherent in the field, and how their perspectives differ from the dominant male voices.

Queerness and the digital frontier – Dr Jean du Toit

The virtual has become a new space for ideological heteronormativity, and cyberspace increasingly plays host to an insidious rhetoric that exhorts heterosexuality as a norm. However, by rethinking the virtual we may mobilise it to support and facilitate queering in contemporary societies and may positively counter such fixed heteronormative categories of social life.

Women’s (in)visibility in African Philosophy – Aïda Terblanche-Greeff

Great strides have been made in the decolonisation of philosophy, with African philosophy receiving more attention. It must, however, be noted that we still have a long way to go with regards to women in African philosophy which remains in the shadows. By refocusing on female philosophers, we can significantly contribute to the global academic discussion.

Register for the Philosphy and Gender Webinars

Personal Care Drive (August 2021)

• Soap/body wash
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Tissues
• Toilet paper
• Facemasks and sanitiser
• Feminine hygiene products

Women's month at NWU (August 2021)

As we commemorate Women’s Month, the North-West University (NWU) commends and salutes all the homemakers, trailblazers and groundbreakers in our homes, families, university, and communities. The NWU is filled with phenomenal women who have made great strides in their respective disciplines. Their diversity is as vast and valuable as the sectors in which they serve, and we continue to look at them for inspiration and guidance. Read more