Background and Rationale for Research
The prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in university settings is a pressing issue that has significant implications for intervention and policy development in higher education institutions. A recent investigation conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council—surveys involving 1,272 students from marginalised universities and career training colleges—revealed that 20% of female students reported experiencing sexual violence in the past year (HRSC, 2023). This alarming statistic highlights the critical need to examine the contributing factors of GBV specifically within South African universities.
Research surrounding the University of Cape Town (UCT) has identified various root causes for GBV, which underline the seriousness of the matter. Incidents of violence have raised profound concerns regarding student safety and the university's response mechanisms. UCT faced significant backlash for its handling of GBV complaints, especially following the rise of digital advocacy campaigns in 2016 that exposed multiple cases of sexual assault on campuses. These incidents spurred widespread protests and heightened calls for accountability from university leadership. In reaction to these developments, the "UCT Unites" initiative was launched, aimed at enhancing awareness of GBV and implementing proactive measures across the university community. This program's objectives include educating students about GBV and addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by marginalised groups—including individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with diverse gender expressions (UCT Unites, 2023).
Despite the urgency of this issue, there remains a notable gap in empirical research focusing on GBV in South African universities. This study aims to fill that void by investigating the underlying dynamics of GBV, thereby providing valuable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers, university administrators, and students.
Sources and Literature Exploration
In conducting this literature review, a diverse range of sources was explored, including academic journals, governmental reports, and publications from reputable NGOs focused on GBV. Key databases utilized included JSTOR, Google Scholar, and university library catalogs to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the existing research landscape.
Keywords Used
Key search terms were integral in identifying relevant literature and included: "gender-based violence in universities," "South Africa GBV prevalence," "student safety violence," and "response to GBV in higher education." These keywords ensured a targeted approach to locating studies directly linked to the context of South African universities.
Research Paradigm
This research is grounded in a social constructivist paradigm, which emphasizes the role of social contexts and interactions in shaping individual experiences and perceptions of GBV. By utilizing qualitative methods to capture the nuances of students' experiences and perspectives, this study aims to highlight the complexities of GBV in university settings and inform culturally sensitive interventions.
Theoretical Framework
The study will be underpinned by Feminist Theory, which provides a lens through which to analyze the power dynamics involved in GBV. Feminist Theory seeks to understand the systemic structures that perpetuate gender inequality and violence, making it particularly relevant in examining the experiences of marginalized groups in university environments. By employing this theoretical framework, the research will critically assess institutional responses and advocate for the empowerment and protection of vulnerable populations within academic settings.
In summary, this research is timely and essential, offering powerful insights needed to address the critical issue of GBV in South African universities and to inform effective policy and intervention strategies.