Wits stands firmly against gender-based harm

Wits University reaffirms its unwavering commitment to create a safe, inclusive and socially just environment for all members of the Wits community.

Gender-based harm and violence, bullying, and discrimination, undermines human dignity, erodes trust and compromises the ability of individuals to thrive in all aspects of life. 

Today, we join women from across the world by denouncing all forms of gender-based harm. Over the last two weeks, we have heard the concerns  of  our students and members of the Wits community regarding gender-based harm and its effects. We continue to actively work to address these concerns. Staff from the Gender Equity Office will be available on the ground today to engage and interact with students and to hear your concerns.

Where incidents of gender-based harm occur, we urge staff and students to report it to the Gender Equity Office. This Office is dedicated to addressing all forms of gender-based harm within the Wits community, and responds to complaints of verbal, cyber, non-verbal and physical sexual harassment, sexual assault, gendered discrimination, gendered bullying, rape and grooming, and other forms of harm.

How to Report an Incident

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You can report an incident as follows:

• In-person by walking into the Gender Equity Office,
• Telephonically,
• Via Email on info.geo@wits.ac.za  or
• Online via the online reporting portal.

The University has introduced this dedicated online reporting platform to ensure that all forms of harm are addressed promptly, fairly and transparently.

Emergency telephonic counselling can also be accessed via the Wits Students’ Crisis Line on 0800 111 331. This line is available to all Wits students 24/7/365. The Wits Student Crisis App is also available for students who prefer live chat or text counselling or contact CCDU for assistance.

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/Violencce (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.