Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community face many challenges in their societies and the workplace; and suffer human rights violations and exclusion based on their sexual orientation.

To create awareness, Central University of Technology hosted a successful virtual LGBTQIA+ Dialogue Webinar on Tuesday, 26 July 2022, under the theme: "How the Local and International Higher Learning Institution can create benefiting environment for the (LGBTQIA+) Community?"

In addition, the webinar was to discuss forms of discrimination affecting the LGBTQIA+ community on campuses across the country. For instance, the sigma surrounding this community within higher education institutions has challenged universities to think differently about the role to play in creating a receptive atmosphere and protecting their dignity and freedom, creating a safe and welcoming space for all, and how university leaders can contribute towards educating the workforce, promoting human rights, equality, recognition, inclusivity; as well as incorporate some of the subjects into the university's official documents.

In his welcoming address, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said that gender inequality is one form of discrimination that calls on all of us to reflect on what we, as a collective, must do to address this challenge that is staring us in the face. He commended the leading role players-in particular, the Institutional Renewal and Transformation (IR&T) Unit, under the leadership of Prof. Solomon Makola, for steering the university in the right direction. "Congratulations to the organising team for putting together this engagement platform to allow the university and its partners to participate meaningfully in this dialogue. I hope this dialogue will help us reclaim the university's role in this topical issue."

Prof. Ngowi further mentioned the strides that the university has already embarked on in developing a policy on Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment for students and staff, targeting women and members of the LGBTQIA+.  He further said that the university was striving hard to reduce discrimination against LGBTQIA+ and create a culture that will empower everyone, including members of LGBTQIA+.

“Members of LGBTQIA+ are entitled to the protection of the constitutional rights enshrined in our Constitution.  Like the rest of us, they, too, have the legitimate claim to walk peacefully on the streets, to enjoy the peace and tranquility of their surroundings without the fear, apprehension, and insecurity that constantly diminishes the quality of their lives. As the university, it is our responsibility to ensure that staff, students, and the LGBTQIA+ community are protected and feel safe within the CUT campuses, and I believe that as a collective, we can eradicate this scourge and make our universities safer places for our LGBTQIA+ students to live in," he said.

Watch: LGBTQIA+ Dialogue on CUT Facebook

Caption

Professor Alfred Ngowi during his address.