Africa-Press – Botswana. Member of Parliament for Tati East, Mr Tlhabologo Furniture has emphasised that amending laws to impose harsher penalties for gender-based violence (GBV) is not an effective solution, rather, education stood out as the crucial strategy to tackle this pressing issue.
Speaking at the second annual Tatisiding crime prevention expo recently, Mr Furniture argued that, while Parliament had the authority to enact laws, their severity will not reduce the incidence of GBV without comprehensive public education on the topic.
“Education is vital,” Mr Furniture stressed, adding that it was essential to inform the public about the dangers of GBV and its repercussions on individuals and society.
He reiterated that merely increasing penalties would not address the root causes of GBV, which required a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
Mr Furniture highlighted that GBV is a complex issue that necessitated collective action for meaningful change.
“Democracy calls for fairness, but simply enhancing penalties may worsen the problem instead of resolving it,” he said.
He said research had shown that informing and educating the population was paramount in the ongoing global search for effective solutions to GBV.
Mr Furniture also praised community initiatives like the Tatisiding crime prevention expo for fostering safety, noting that such efforts often resonated with the community than government-led initiatives that may not address local concerns.
He urged other villages in the Tati East constituency to emulate the proactive approach of the Tatisiding business community in establishing similar initiatives.
In her remarks, Divisional Commander (North), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Tamapo Nthoiwa discussed the security challenges faced by Tatisiding, including housebreakings, burglaries, GBV-related crimes and drug abuse.
He emphasised that crime prevention is a shared responsibility, requiring active involvement from the entire community, not just the police.
“As we work together, we must remember that our combined efforts can yield positive results,” said Mr Nthoiwa, assuring residents that the Botswana Police Service remained committed to innovative crime prevention strategies.
Mr Nthoiwa characterised GBV as a significant violation of human rights and a major barrier to lasting peace and development, with serious long-term implications to the society.
Earlier, Kgosi Simon Kgageng of Tatisiding voiced concerns over rising crime rates in his village, attributing the issue to its proximity to Francistown, a city known for high crime rate.
He encouraged residents to collaborate with law enforcement to address these challenges.
The expo, organised by the Tatisiding business community in partnership with residents was themed: Working together to create a safe community against crime.
Source: DAILYNEWS
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