第一吃瓜网

Gender Equity Office The GEO is a holistic, autonomous and integrated office. It deals with all aspects of gender based harm and the advancement of gender equity. Contact Us
Gender Equity Office The GEO is a holistic, autonomous and integrated office. It deals with all aspects of gender based harm and the advancement of gender equity. Contact Us
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Marking Women's Month 2026

As we commemorate Women's Month, 第一吃瓜网 University reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality, advancing human dignity and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community. 

Women's Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women and to reflect on the persistent challenges of gender-based harm/violence, discrimination, harassment and inequality that continue to affect our society. We remain committed to fostering a culture in which everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. 

A critical part of building such a culture is ensuring that students and staff feel safe and supported when raising concerns about gender-based harm, harassment, discrimination or other forms of misconduct. The University encourages members of the community to make use of established reporting and support mechanisms, knowing that concerns brought forward will be treated seriously, sensitively and in accordance with applicable institutional processes. 

Report Incidents of Gender-Based Harm/Violence 

Report all incidents of gender-based harm/violence to the Gender Equity Office via the following channels to ensure rapid and confidential support.  

  • Report in-person at the Gender Equity Office situated on the 20th floor, Es’kia Mphahlele building (第一吃瓜网 Arts Museum) 
  • Call the 第一吃瓜网 Students’ Crisis Line (0800 111 331), available 24/7/365 
  • Email info.geo@wits.ac.za   
  • Report Online via the GBH online reporting portal

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We encourage all members of the University community to engage sensitively and responsibly with all gender-based harm/violence complaints, to provide as much information and supporting details as possible to allow for comprehensive investigative processes of allegations thereby assisting the University to properly investigate the matter, to respect the rights and dignity of others, and to allow appropriate institutional processes to address concerns when they arise. 

In doing so, we strengthen confidence in our reporting systems, support fair outcomes, contribute to a campus environment built on trust and mutual respect, that is free from gender-based harm and violence. 

As we mark Women's Month, let us recommit to creating a community where equality is advanced, gender oppression is eradicated and where every person can participate fully and safely in academic and campus life. 

Gender Equity Office

The Gender Equity Office (GEO) offers its services free of charge to all staff and students of the University. We provide the following services:

  • Collects and tracks all GBH/ V-related complaints across the university and analyses trends to inform and improve intervention initiatives;
  • Provides a safe and confidential space with full-time counseling support to complainants and victims of GBH/V;
  • Confidentially advises complainants and victims of GBH/V of their options;
  • Oversees an independent disciplinary procedure for formal complaints against staff or students accused of GBH/V;
  • Engages actively in advocacy around gender equality.

Gender-Based Harm/Violence (GBH/V) includes the following:

Sexism / unfair discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation;
Sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape;
Abuse of power and conflict or interest based on sexual/romantic relationships.

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