SWEEP UCT’s conference: a powerful stand against gender-based violence

South Africa faces a sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) emergency. One in five women in the country is affected by the scourge of SGBV, and between April and June this year, a staggering 11 500 cases of sexual abuse were reported to authorities.

These alarming numbers sprouted the idea for a GBV conference and members of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) chapter jumped into action. The event was held on Saturday, 19 October, and was arranged to raise awareness on the scourge, provide a safe space for conversation and establish a set of guidelines on how students affected by SGBV should seek help. It was made possible by UCT’s Careers Service, the Department of Student Affairs and the Leadership Academy.

SWEEP uses entrepreneurship to empower women students, especially those affected by SGBV. The initiative operates at South Africa’s 26 public universities.

“It was a transformative event that left every attendee deeply moved, inspired and ready to take action.”

“To say that the SWEEP GBV conference was phenomenal is an understatement. It was a transformative event that left every attendee deeply moved, inspired and ready to take action,” said Pearly Joubert, the president of UCT’s SWEEP chapter.

Powerful, courageous voices

The event brought together some of the most powerful and courageous voices in the fight against SGBV, including Nomangwane Mrwetyana, the mother of Uyinene Mrwetyana – a UCT student who was brutally murdered in 2019.

“Nomangwane’s ability to reignite the urgency around GBV, especially as someone who has lived through it firsthand, was both courageous and stirring. Uyinene’s murder is a tragic symbol of GBV’s cruel impact,” Joubert said.

Mrwetyana, who co-founded the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation, spoke to the audience on the dangers of complacency and urged everyone to keep fighting against the forms of injustice that permeates South Africa.

“Doing nothing, is still doing something.”

“Doing nothing, is still doing something,” Mrwetyana said.

Similarly, Elmarie Pereira, the CEO of Memeza – a social enterprise founded by survivors of GBV with one central goal in mind: to build a safer South Africa – shared a perspective that resonated with many women in the room.

“Empowerment doesn’t mean giving women power. It’s about reminding them that they already have it,” Pereira said.

A ‘multifaceted issue’

Joubert said speakers’ reflections and insights revealed that the SGBV is in fact a multifaceted issue. And it’s not just about physical and sexual violence. It’s also about emotional and economic violence and its impact on society.

After the formal programme, participants also had the opportunity to engage with speakers, share their own experiences and seek advice. And the final segment of the day was arranged to unwind and celebrate each participant’s resilience using art and music.

“We will continue to stand together, not just at UCT but across South Africa.”

“As we reflect on the GBV conference, it is clear that this is just the beginning, [considering] how much of an impact this event had on everyone in the room. UCT SWEEP is growing and so is our sisterhood for economic participation and empowerment,” Joubert said. “We will continue to stand together, not just at UCT but across South Africa – creating spaces where women feel safe, supported and empowered to lead the change our country so desperately needs.”