Student union proposes gender-neutral toilets at Nust

The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) has called on the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) to consider installing gender-neutral toilets.

This comes after some women students last month complained about gay men using women’s toilets.

The issue also stems from discussions that gay students should use toilets meant for people with disabilities.

SUN president Benhard Kavau yesterday said gender-neutral toilets would offer a solution and ensure dignity for all students.

“Gender-neutral toilets offer a practical, rights-based solution that respects the dignity of every student, without infringing on the rights of others,” he said.

Kavau said accessible toilets are not designed for gay students.

“Rather than forcing students to use facilities not designed for them, such as those intended for people with
disabilities, we should be proactive in creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all,” he said.

“Our institutions must never discriminate against individuals due to their social preferences, but rather develop a clear framework guided by the endorsement of the university’s governing councils,” he said.

Kavau said in the absence of a national policy that provides guidance on the rights and responsibilities of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and other (LGBTQI+) community, institutions of higher learning are often left to respond reactively, rather than proactively, to the needs of such students.

“Furthermore, with the former president having refused to endorse the anti-gay bill, one could reasonably infer there is a tacit acknowledgment within our national leadership of the need for more inclusive approaches.

“I therefore call on the government, particularly the education and justice ministries, to take a definitive stance on this matter and issue policy guidelines to direct institutions across the country,” he said.

Activist Mama Afrika (Nicodemus Auxumub) says transgender women using women’s toilets at Nust should not be regarded as a problem.

This comes after the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has condemned gay men and transgender women using these facilities.

“At home we all use one bathroom, and it’s not a problem. In the aeroplane there is only one bathroom for me.

“Let’s not let toilets become an issue,” she says.

Auxumub says transgender women will not use accessible toilets (toilets for people with disabilities) at the
university.

“Many transgender women have been beaten up because of bathroom issues . . . but they do not have a
disability, and there is no way they will use that. We condemn that,” she says.

Auxumub says Nust should put policies in place to consider LGBTQI+ people’s rights, “because they are also
paying fees . . . we are also human”.

“Many LGBTQI+ students have dropped out of school and are unable to pursue their dreams . . . We have not
seen someone being raped by a transgender woman in Namibia. They are women as well, therefore, they should use women’s toilets,” she says.

Nanso president Dorthea Nangolo last month spoke out against some members of the LGBTQI+ community
using women’s toilets.

“We are aware of the complaints that have been raised by our students. We understand the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, but they must abide by the gender rules of the restrooms,” she said.
Auxumub, however, says transgender women are now living in fear due to “bathroom issues”.

“They are being beaten up by male persons, so which bathrooms must transgender women use in this country?
They are human and they must be allowed to use any bathroom,” she says.

Nust spokesperson Cindy van Wyk last month said the university is addressing the matter, adding it remains
committed to a respectful learning environment.

Human rights activist Amy Maasdorp says Nust needs to consider policies to create gender-neutral toilets.

“They should have gender-neutral accommodation and bathrooms. They should educate people and must
engage with the LGBTQI+ community to understand some of our problems.

“What is so alarming is that an institution like Nanso is supposed to look after all students – regardless of gender.

The university should respond to Nanso to clearly reaffirm its commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination.”
Maasdorp adds: “This is just a direct attack on transgender women.”

She says Nanso is promoting discrimination.

“The university should strengthen reporting mechanisms on discrimination and establish a confidential complaint system where queer people can report discrimination and harassment.

“They need to take action against any student or staff member engaging in discrimination,” she says.

“We do not have disabilities, and we are not going to use accessible toilets.”