New GBV and Femicide Support Centre Launched at Vanderbijlpark Campus

In a significant step towards combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the North-West University (NWU) at its Vanderbijlpark Campus has officially launched a dedicated GBVF Empowerment Centre. This new facility is designed to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed support to survivors. It also aims to advance the fight against GBVF within the university community and beyond.

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A Safe Space for Survivors

The GBVF Empowerment Centre serves as a safe, survivor-centred space. It offers critical services, including psychosocial support and legal assistance for navigating cases. Moreover, there are survivor-focused reporting mechanisms and ongoing advocacy efforts. The centre embodies NWU’s commitment to actively addressing GBVF. It aims to set a precedent for institutional responses to this societal issue.

Institutional and Community Collaboration

The launch event brought together representatives from diverse sectors, including the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the South African Police Service, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and student leaders. This broad coalition underscores the collective responsibility. It highlights the collaborative approach required to tackle GBVF effectively.

Leadership and Vision

Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, NWU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Community Engagement at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, described the centre as “more than a response to crisis.” He emphasized it as a forward-looking and transformative initiative. It positions NWU as a leader in social justice, survivor support, and policy advocacy.

“The GBVF Empowerment Centre at the NWU is more than a response to crisis – it is a trend-setting initiative,” said Prof Mphahlele.

Developed from Lived Experiences

The project was spearheaded by Ujeet Maharaj, Head of Student Judicial Services at NWU. He highlighted that the centre was developed through extensive consultation. It incorporates lived experiences from various GBVF events on and off campus. “This is not just a service point. It is a place of safety, healing, advocacy, and education,” Maharaj stated.

Strategic Partnerships and International Collaboration

The centre benefits from a strong network of strategic partners, including Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Sonke Gender Justice, Higher Health, and the ikhaya le Themba Empowerment Centre. It also collaborates internationally with institutions such as University College Dublin and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. These partnerships have contributed to the University Networks of Impact (UNI) initiative. This will officially launch later in 2025, fostering global cooperation to combat GBVF.

Community Impact and Institutional Commitment

Mmemme Makane-Sibanda, Chief Director and Provincial Secretariat of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, praised NWU for its leadership and institutional courage in launching the centre. The facility reflects NWU’s broader strategic imperatives, including internationalisation and strong community engagement through research, innovation, and education.

More than a Building

The GBVF Empowerment Centre serves as a living model that demonstrates how universities can proactively respond to GBVF. It combines immediate support with a long-term vision of institutional reform to ensure dignity, safety, and justice for survivors.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Community Engagement

The launch concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the centre, media engagements, and community interaction. The NWU mascot, Eagi, made a special appearance. This reminded all that behind policies are real people deserving to feel safe and supported.

Services Offered at the GBVF Empowerment Centre

The centre serves as a one-stop response hub. It provides a comprehensive range of critical services tailored to support survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF):

• Psychosocial Support: Trauma-informed counselling and emotional support to help survivors heal and cope.
• Legal Assistance: Guidance and support for navigating legal processes related to GBVF cases.
• Survivor-Centred Reporting: Safe and confidential reporting mechanisms focused on survivors’ needs and dignity.
• Ongoing Advocacy: Efforts to promote policy change, awareness, and institutional reform around GBVF issues.
• Educational Outreach: Raising awareness and educating the community on GBVF prevention, rights, and resources.

Programmes and Partnerships

The centre collaborates with various local and international organisations to enhance its impact:

• Partnerships with Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Sonke Gender Justice, Higher Health, and the ikhaya le Themba Empowerment Centre: These partnerships bring resources, expertise, and community networks. They strengthen survivor support and advocacy.
• International Collaboration: Connections with University College Dublin and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre enable adoption of global best practices. They also allow participation in the upcoming University Networks of Impact (UNI) initiative. This promotes research and innovation to combat GBVF.
• Community and Institutional Engagement: The centre fosters a culture of safety and respect on campus and in the broader community. This is achieved through workshops, awareness programmes, and collaborative research projects.

Vision and Impact

The centre is more than just a service point, it serves as a living model demonstrating how universities can proactively and responsibly respond to GBVF. It embodies NWU’s commitment to survivor dignity, justice, and institutional transformation.

How to Access Services at the GBVF Empowerment Centre

The centre offers a range of critical services including psychosocial support, legal assistance, survivor-centred reporting, and advocacy. To access these services:

• Location: NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, Hendrik Van Eck Blvd, Building 13, Splitlevel 3, Office 331
• Phone: 016 910 3195
• Visitors can make appointments for counselling and support directly at the centre.
• Support and appointments can also be coordinated via the NWU eFundi platform for student services.

For additional emotional support, the NWU Counselling and Development Division provides access through:

• Contact for Vanderbijlpark Campus: 016 910 3195
• Students and staff are encouraged to seek help early and use the confidential services available.