Byline: Amanda Gumede

Johannesburg, 31 July 2024 – Different guest speakers emphasized the crucial role of the Nightlife Economy and Communities in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at a conference held at the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Bunting Campus (APB) on Wednesday. The conference was organized to address the challenges many students face at universities and to educate them on dealing with GBV. #GBVConference #UJ #CommunitySafety

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the TEARS Foundation have launched a groundbreaking partnership aimed at tackling GBV in the nightlife industry. This collaboration aims to provide essential assistance and resources to those affected. Since 2012, TEARS Foundation has been at the forefront of crisis response, advocacy, counseling, and preventive education services. The primary goal is to create a safer environment for students and all potential GBV victims. #TearsFoundation #EndGBV #StudentSafety

Addressing GBV in Nightlife Contexts:
Nightclubs are significant in metropolitan areas, making it essential to address GBV within these settings for broader social change. Students often find themselves vulnerable when requesting rides at night or working side hustles. Instances include drivers not using their own profiles and club owners exploiting students for marketing purposes. #NightlifeSafety #ProtectStudents

Victims of GBV are often reluctant to report their experiences due to the need for witnesses to build a strong case. Young women in nightclubs frequently fall prey to pimps, with incidents of drink spiking and exploitation by club owners negatively impacting their academic performance. #SpeakOut #SupportSurvivors

Initiatives and Encouragement:
Johannesburg, a significant region in Gauteng, has seen numerous GBV cases. Social worker Nico Giwu from the Department of Social Development encourages the ‘breaking the silence’ approach for reporting GBV. This method does not require witnesses, allowing anyone to report a case, enabling the Department of Social Development and SAPS to investigate. Victim-friendly rooms are available in all Johannesburg police stations for victims to report abuse safely. #BreakTheSilence #SafeReporting #VictimSupport

Economic and Policy Considerations:
Reducing trading hours for alcohol sales has been challenging due to economic implications. Miss Cleo Bodide-Lushaba from the Gauteng Liquor Board highlighted the difficulty in balancing economic growth with reducing GBV. Club owners are urged to protect their clients by regulating alcohol sales to intoxicated individuals and collaborating with the government to address GBV and drinking issues among students. #ResponsibleTrading #EconomicBalance

Support and Education:
South African Breweries (SAB) has launched ‘aware.org’ to support GBV victims and advises alcohol traders on managing drunk customers. The ‘Talk Sharp’ initiative promotes responsible alcohol consumption, dignity, and community upliftment in the fight against GBV. #AwareOrg #TalkSharp #ResponsibleDrinking

Protective Measures:
Students and GBV victims are advised to protect themselves, especially in nightlife environments. Young women should present themselves responsibly and avoid dating apps to reduce vulnerability. Protection services and relevant contacts for help and counseling are available, and the TEARS Foundation offers free, confidential support for sexual assault, domestic abuse, and child sex abuse victims across South Africa. #SelfProtection #StaySafe #TEARSFoundation

Together, let’s fight against GBV and protect our nation. #EndGBV #SARainbowNews #CommunityAction