This year we collaborated with the University of Cape Town's Faculty of Health Sciences' Transformation and Equity Commission to host this prestigious and exciting event.

Our experience both within and outside tertiary institutions has taught us that different stakeholders have unique elements of expertise to share, but often lack the opportunity to connect and collaborate with their counterparts at other levels. This is why we have made it our mission to host an in- person event that unifies the voices of change. Through this, we also bridge the gap between institutional structures and students.

Anne Isaac, a Legal Manager at UCT's Special Tribunal for Sexual Misconduct, previously served as a criminal litigator and prosecutor specializing in sexual offenses. She was appointed to UCT in 2010. She later led the establishment of the Special Tribunal in 2019, developing new procedures for sexual misconduct disciplinary matters. Recognized with the Vice Chancellor's Excellence award, Anne volunteers her legal expertise to help women navigate the criminal justice system for gender-based violence and child maintenance court applications, contributing to Soroptimist International's projects for women and children.

Prof. Lillian Artz is the Director of the Gender, Health, and Justice Research Unit at the University of Cape Town. With almost 30 years of expertise, she specializes in domestic violence, sexual offenses, and women's rights in Africa. Lillian has consulted for national human rights institutions and justice systems across Southern, Central, and East Africa, leading projects on gender-based violence in prisons and psychiatric settings. Notably, she co-led South Africa's first national study on child sexual abuse and serves as a Senior Technical Advisor for the global project "What Works 2?" Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of Acta Criminologica: African Journal of Criminology and Victimology.

Yumna Seadat, Survivor Support Specialist at the University of Cape Town, is a recognized expert in promoting post-traumatic growth among survivors of sexual violence. With a background in psychology and extensive trauma training, she collaborates with various departments to support survivors through the reporting process. Formerly with leading NGOs like SAPS Victim Empowerment Program and Lifeline, Yumna's compassionate counseling has facilitated healing journeys for numerous survivors. Her advocacy for post-traumatic growth has positively impacted lives, emphasizing strength and resilience in the aftermath of trauma.

Dr. Thulane Gxubane is a social worker and lecturer in the Department of Social Work & Social Development at UCT, holding a Ph.D. and M.Soc.Sc. in Social Work from the University of Cape Town. Specializing in criminal justice social work, he focuses on restorative justice practices in South Africa, addressing youth offenders and their families. As a sought-after speaker, he has delivered key addresses internationally, emphasizing the restorative justice approach as an alternative to the current criminal justice system. Currently coordinating the Criminal Justice Social Work Masters program, he teaches and supervises research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with numerous publications on probation practice, youth justice, and restorative justice.

Dr. Chivaugn Gordon, head of Undergraduate Obstetrics & Gynaecology Education at UCT, is a medical officer with a focus on intimate partner violence (IPV). Graduating cum laude with an MBChB in 2003, she holds diplomas in Mental Health and HIV Management, as well as an MPhil in Health Professions Education (cum laude). Driven by her experiences in Psychiatry, witnessing the impact of IPV on women, she transitioned to roles at the Khayelitsha Cervical Cancer Screening Project and in undergraduate education at Groote Schuur. Recognizing the inadequate teaching on IPV in the medical curriculum, she conducted research, leading to award-winning teaching interventions. Her efforts have gained national attention, and she continues to expand training to postgraduate students and healthcare workers, currently pursuing a PhD to assess the impact of her IPV training.