Africa-Press – Botswana. The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education convened a high-level stakeholder meeting yesterday at Avani, Gaborone to reinforce coordinated actions aimed at ending violence against children in Botswana. The meeting brought together government departments, agencies, and key partners to address escalating cases of child abuse and neglect. In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary Mmamiki Kamanakao called for urgent and collective action, emphasizing that protecting children’s rights is fundamental to securing the nation’s future. She highlighted the longstanding partnership between UNICEF and the Government of Botswana, noting the financial and technical support provided to advance child protection initiatives. Her address underscored the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to confront social challenges affecting children.
Ms. Mmamiki Kamanakao reaffirmed Botswana’s 2024 national commitment to ending violence against children, aligned with global development goals. She stressed the importance of implementing a robust National Plan of Action for children, which serves as a framework for structured interventions and coordinated responses. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that sustainable progress requires clear timelines, accountability measures, and active engagement from all sectors of society. Her remarks reinforced the government’s commitment to creating a protective environment where every child can thrive. The session highlighted the value of collaboration and shared responsibility.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Child Welfare, Dr. Morena Rankopo, outlined the meeting’s objectives, including reviewing the Conditional Plan of Action to prevent and respond to violence against children. He emphasized structured discussions to define partners’ roles, mobilize resources, and align policies for maximum impact. The session also focused on strengthening coordination mechanisms, monitoring processes, and accountability measures. Dr. Rankopo stressed that these steps are critical to ensuring measurable progress in child protection efforts. The approach aims to make interventions more strategic and results-oriented.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, identify gaps, and explore innovative solutions to protect children. Discussions highlighted the need for community involvement, capacity building, and data-driven policy implementation. Participants acknowledged that tackling violence against children requires collective action across government, civil society, and community actors. The session reinforced the importance of proactive measures, early intervention, and continuous monitoring to prevent abuse and support vulnerable children. Collaboration and accountability were identified as key drivers for lasting change.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to create a safe and protective environment for every child in Botswana. The meeting signaled a strengthened resolve to implement coordinated strategies that address both immediate risks and long-term social challenges. Through multi-sector engagement, policy alignment, and resource mobilization, Botswana aims to significantly reduce cases of violence against children. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being, safety, and development of all children across the country. Sustained collaboration and innovative interventions are expected to drive measurable improvements in child protection outcomes.
