Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS), in partnership with UNESCO, hosted the national launch of the Safer Campuses Campaign yesterday at the University’s Fernhill Campus in Mutare.
This important event is part of the O3Plus Project, a UNESCO initiative aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions.
In his welcome address, MSUAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Albert Chawanda urged attendees to fully embrace the campaign. “Let us collaborate, share best practices, and implement strategies that will make our campuses safer for everyone,” he said. “Our collective efforts today will shape the future of our nation together. We are all responsible for creating a culture of respect and safety.”
Representing the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Prof Fanuel Tagwira, Mr. Darlington Damba, Director for Tertiary Education Programmes, highlighted the importance of confronting gender-based violence in all its forms. “For too long, gender-based violence has been shrouded in silence and stigma,” Mr. Damba said. “Through the Safer Campuses Campaign, we can create a culture of openness and support, where survivors are encouraged to share their stories and bystanders are empowered to act.”
The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including students and senior officials from universities across the country, such as the University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, Catholic University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe Open University, and Great Zimbabwe University, among others. Also present were Deans of Universities, MSUAS faculty and students, and staff from partner institutions.
The launch event featured impactful presentations from students, as well as a performance by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band, adding an artistic element to the proceedings. These presentations emphasised the importance of creating a supportive campus culture where all individuals feel safe and valued.
The Safer Campuses Campaign is focused on driving policy reforms within universities and colleges, promoting the reporting of gender-based violence, and urging educational institutions to strengthen their GBV policies. The campaign aims to foster safer, more inclusive environments where students and staff can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.
The launch marks a significant step forward in addressing the issue of gender-based violence on university campuses and demonstrates the commitment of educational institutions to create safer, more supportive environments for all students and staff.
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