The NWU, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has signed up for the End GBVF 100-Day Challenges.

This initiative of the GBVF Collective aims to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) by involving various organisations and stakeholders in a structured and actionable approach.

The other stakeholders partnering with the NWU include the World of Impact Organisation South Africa, the Sedibeng District Municipality, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Higher Health, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the Department of Justice.

To encourage participation in the challenge, a Leadership Design Kick-off workshop was held at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

"This initiative represents a collective effort to combat these societal challenges and bring about meaningful change in communities," says Ujeet Maharaj, head of Student Discipline and a prosecutor at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

He explains that there are seven 100-Day Challenges, all focusing on impact, innovation, collaboration and implementation.

Each challenge aims to significantly improve one or more of six pillars:

Pillar 1: Accountability, coordination and leadership
Pillar 2: Prevention and rebuilding social cohesion
Pillar 3: Justice, safety and protection
Pillar 4: Response, care, support and healing
Pillar 5: Economic power
Pillar 6: Research and information management

"The NWU and its collaborators will be concentrating on pillar three," says Ujeet.

He explains that the main goals of the workshop were to discuss current plans, establish the 100-Day Goals for the End GBVF 100-Day Challenges, and determine the next steps, such as creating a stakeholder team structure and preparing for the team launch.

"Our team will prioritise improving the quality of resolution of various types of GBVF-related court cases, promoting prevention in the workplace and schools, and focusing on integrated crisis response and post-crisis integrated care," adds Ujeet.

Dumisile Moyana, a representative from the World of Impact Organisation, says the workshop marked the start of an important journey in combatting GBVF.

"The collaborative efforts of the different stakeholders demonstrate a promising commitment to addressing this critical issue.

"The World of Impact and its partners are setting a valuable example by proactively taking steps to tackle GBVF, thereby creating a safer and more equitable environment for all."

She adds that the outcomes of the workshop and the subsequent actions are expected to have a positive impact on the community and contribute to broader efforts to combat GBVF.