Gender Equity Unit

The University of the Western Cape's Gender Equity Unit (GEU) was founded in 1993 — at a historically activist university, by women who had fought both apartheid and the erasure of women's liberation from that struggle. The GEU's founding director Rhoda Kadalie and subsequent directors, including the long-serving and beloved Dr Mary Hames, built it into something rare: a genuine feminist activist hub inside an academic institution, operating entirely without donor funding for over 25 years, sustained by the courage and commitment of staff and volunteers.

In 2023/24, the Commission for Gender Equality recognised UWC as a standout among South African universities for its gender equity leadership — noting that women make up nearly 61% of UWC's workforce and dominate across senior management, academic, and administrative levels. The GEU has been central to that transformation.

This listing is especially relevant if you are a current UWC student or staff member who has experienced GBV, sexual harassment, discrimination, or who is struggling with food insecurity.

What They Offer Students and the UWC Community

Referrals and Support for GBV and Sexual Harassment on Campus The GEU is the primary port of call on the UWC campus for students or staff who have experienced gender-based violence, sexual harassment, or discrimination. They provide referrals to internal and external support services, connect survivors with counselling, and can support individuals navigating UWC's disciplinary and reporting processes.

Food Programme — Addressing Student Hunger Since 2007, the GEU has quietly run a food programme for UWC students experiencing food insecurity — providing non-perishable food items, toiletries, and sanitary products to students who come to them in need. The programme relies on donations from staff and students. There are no announcements and no shame — students simply come. As Dr Hames said: "Because we don't have a lot ourselves, we don't go around making announcements about the programme. Instead, students come to us."

Loud Enuf — LGBTQI+ Activism Loud Enuf is the GEU's student-run LGBTQI+ activism and support programme — creating visible community, advocating for LGBTQI+ rights on campus, and providing a space for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations to be seen and supported.

Edu-Drama — Feminist Theatre Against Violence Against Women A student-run feminist theatre programme uses drama and performance to challenge violence against women, raise awareness, and shift campus culture. Theatre performances are free to attend — audiences are asked to bring donations of food items or sanitary products for the food programme.

HumaNature — Disability Awareness A disability awareness and advocacy programme challenges ableism on campus and advocates for the full participation and dignity of students and staff with disabilities.

Mentoring Programme A peer mentoring programme for students provides support, guidance, and community — particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds navigating university life for the first time.

Imbewu — Student Newsletter A student-produced newsletter, Imbewu (meaning "seed"), shares students' unique experiences and perspectives on social justice, civil rights, poetry, and campus life.

Advocacy for Institutional Gender Transformation The GEU has shaped UWC's Sexual Harassment Policy, Gender Policy, Non-Sexist Language Policy, maternity and paternity leave provisions, and access to study leave and research funding for women academics — transforming the institution from within.

If you are a UWC student in need of food, support following GBV or harassment, or connection to any of the GEU's programmes, go directly to the Gender Equity Unit on campus or call 021 959 2812. Email: gender@uwc.ac.za.