From 25 November until 10 December, there is an annual call for solidarity and action through the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. While this may be observed on a global scale, the University of Pretoria has adopted the #DontBeARedFlag campaign that speaks more specifically to those on campus.

Originally developed at the University of Agder in Norway and inspired by a 2005 initiative from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, the Red Flag campaign takes a different approach by focusing on the actions and mindset of potential perpetrators. Instead of placing blame on victims, it encourages students to reflect on their own behaviour and attitudes to spark honest conversations about consent and respect.

Universities mirror the societies they’re part of, so it is vital that campaigns like this raise awareness and drive meaningful change. According to the South African Police Services, a total of 13 453 sexual offences were recorded between January and March thi year. This includes 10 688 rape cases, 1 872 sexual assaults, 656 attempted sexual offences and 236 contact sexual offences. The Human Science and Research Council’s 2022 Gender-Based Violence Survey revealed that over 33% of South African women have experienced physical violence, and about 9.8% have faced sexual violence. This equates to about 7.3 million women physically abused and 2.1 million sexually violated. These numbers are not inclusive of men or people within the LGBTQIA+ community who also experience gendered violence.

Even with these staggering numbers that show how violence is perpetually visible, the harm runs deeper. Sexual harassment and assault can have an impact on a students’ mental health, academic achievement and sense of belonging. South Africa faces a femicide rate six times above the global average, and initiatives such as The Red Flag campaign hold up a mirror to ourselves as a community to reflect on how we participate in harm towards others.

As the 16-day campaign unfolds, the collective visual action of turning timelines purple and the willingness to confront the red flags of campus harm are acts of courage. In every statistic is a call to action, with the true measure of campus safety being demonstrated when no student needs to protest their right to dignity and when every red flag is answered not with silence, but decisive, collective change.

To report a matter, please log onto the UP Portal and navigate to the “Anti-Discrimination cases” tile. This will allow you to report instances of harm that are sent directly to the Transformation Office for investigation. Students in need of support should contact the Student Counselling Unit; staff members, please contact EWP Wellness. There is also a number on the back of your access card that you can call for more immediate assistance.

Hulisani Khorombi is a Specialist: Student Capacity Building at the University of Pretoria’s Transformation office.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Pretoria.