Gender violence and governance in universities: the University of Zimbabwe

Universities have traditionally been considered as safe places where men and women can further their pursuit for knowledge in an atmosphere of tolerance and safety. However, what is not widely understood is that universities have historically excluded women, minorities and non-conformists of different hues precisely because they are different, and that they are looked down upon by the majorities and those who have been mainstreamed in social systems. Many European universities were initially run by male religious orders that defined women as unacceptable and as a hindrance to men in their pursuit of the truth and of salvation. This partly explains why single celibate men were the ones who dominated the universities, particularly those in Britain. Thus, women are relatively recent entrants to universities and their entry and terms of acceptance are problematic. and problems continue in achievement and existence once they have been accepted.

A lecture handout on gender violence and governance at the University of Zimbabwe.