The HIV and AIDS Centre at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be hosting its 9th Annual Silent Protest March, to continue its pledge to fight Gender-Based Violence. The Silent Protest March themed : “I refuse to be silent! Where are we safe?” will resume outside Gate 3, Steve Biko campus, to the DUT Sports Centre on Wednesday, 20 September 2023 from 09h00.
According to Mrs Thobile Zulu, Specialist: HIV/AIDS Coordinator at DUT, the Silent Protest aims to not only raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence but also to show solidarity with the survivors of GBV.
“Studies show an undeniable correlation between Gender-Based Violence and HIV/AIDS, which warrants our immediate intervention. The DUT Silent Protest provides a platform to engage higher education students from the Durban Metro and uMsunduzi, but also the broader community on the continued stigma and silence around gender-based violence,” explained Mrs Zulu.
Additionally, she indicated that the programme will also share with the students the support available on campus for survivors of gender-based violence and create a safe environment where their voices, inclusive of the voices of the marginalised can be heard.
“Moreover, to provide an opportunity for all student voices to be heard, those students who may not want to be part of the panel, we have created an anonymous questionnaire for them to complete. Please note that the protest march outside Gate 3, Steve Biko campus will be followed by a panel discussion to be held at the DUT Sports Centre. This discussion will be looking at the role which different stakeholders can play in ending gender-based violence amongst institutions of higher learning,” shared Mrs Zulu.
DUT students are urged come out in numbers to join the Silent Protest March and be part of the discussion, where they will get the opportunity to share their challenges, experiences, and concerns around GBV. The students’ engagement will contribute towards a way forward and assist the university in addressing these global challenges.
Kindly complete the anonymous questionnaire: 9th Annual Silent Protest Event 2023(Questionnaire)
Pictured: DUT staff and students during the 2022 Silent Protest.
Simangele Zuma
