At Majuba TVET College, the End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) 100-Day Challenge was more than just a campaign; it was a transformative journey aimed at fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for students, staff, and the broader community. This initiative not only brought critical issues to the forefront but also created actionable pathways for change.

The Goal: Driving Awareness and Trust

The primary objective was clear: to increase the number of reported GBVF cases by raising awareness, building trust in reporting mechanisms, and making them accessible and supportive. 

Impact in Numbers

The 100-Day Challenge delivered measurable impact:

• Empowering Women: Ikhosomba Labesifazane, a flagship program, brought together 150 young women and social partners to unlock their potential.
• Women’s Conference: 500 employees participated in discussions on GBVF, bullying, and financial security.
• Men’s Conference: 400 male attendees explored men’s health and GBVF awareness.
• Student Engagement: Four interactive sessions equipped students with the knowledge to recognize and report GBVF cases.
• Capacity Building Workshops: These sessions fostered open dialogue and confidence in reporting mechanisms.
• Case Resolutions: Two reported cases, one of bullying and one GBVF-related, are being actively addressed.

Highlights and Innovations

A dedicated Social Inclusion Committee was launched, providing a sustainable support structure to address GBVF issues effectively. Community partnerships with local schools, hospitals, and police facilitated swift interventions in critical cases, demonstrating the power of collective action. Additionally, peer-led workshops played a transformative role, empowering five survivors who had previously remained silent to come forward and report their experiences, highlighting the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for dialogue.

Shifting Culture and Building Trust

The 100-Day Challenge normalized discussions about GBVF, breaking down stigma and empowering both students and staff to become allies. Increased trust in the college’s commitment to addressing GBVF has set the stage for sustained cultural change.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite initial resistance, the team successfully overcame significant hurdles. To address fears of retaliation, they conducted trust-building workshops and emphasized the confidentiality of the reporting process, which encouraged more individuals to step forward. The initiative also gained credibility through endorsements from respected local leaders and social partners, further reinforcing trust and community support for the program.

Strengthened Systems and Relationships

The challenge revealed important systemic gaps and opportunities for growth. Inconsistencies in cross-campus reporting emphasized the need for more streamlined processes to ensure uniformity and efficiency. At the same time, strengthened relationships between student leaders, campus management, and external partners established a solid foundation for sustaining and expanding GBVF prevention and response efforts.

Whats next for Majuba TVET?

A dedicated budget will be allocated for GBV-related activities in 2025, ensuring that resources are available to continue this vital work. The college also plans to formalize partnerships with GBV organizations, integrating their expertise into ongoing initiatives. Furthermore, ongoing training for staff and students, along with the integration of GBV awareness into the curriculum, will reinforce these efforts and promote a culture of safety and inclusion across all campuses.