Reframing silence: Ubuntu feminism and the underreporting of intimate partner violence among South African female students

Ubuntu Feminism, rooted in African philosophy, emphasizes interconnectedness, collective healing, and relational justice. It challenges patriarchal structures by reframing women’s struggles not as private matters but as shared community responsibilities. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a silent pandemic disproportionately affecting female students in South African universities, yet it is underreported. This qualitative paper examines the socio-cultural, emotional, and economic factors that contribute to this silence, guided by Ubuntu feminism as a theoretical lens. Data were drawn from 22 postgraduate students across all faculties at a selected university through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Ethical considerations were upheld, including the presence of a professional psychologist on standby throughout the interview process to ensure participants' well-being. Findings reveal that victims often prioritize relational harmony over personal safety, internalizing social expectations that uphold male authority and discourage disclosure. Patriarchy, financial dependence, fear of stigma, and emotional attachment intersect to silence victims, reinforcing structural inequalities. Ubuntu feminism reframes IPV as a collective concern, advocating for survivor-centred, culturally grounded interventions that foster supportive campus environments. Recommendations include strengthening reporting systems, financial aid for victims, and education that empowers women and transforms harmful masculinities. This research advocates for justice frameworks that restore voice, agency, and communal solidarity in the fight against IPV. Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net