Africa-Press – Botswana. Ending gender-based violence (GBV) will continue to be elusive for as long as policies meant to end the scourge are not implemented.
An empowering call to action by Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo emphasised the urgent need to transform comprehensive policies into visible results that combat GBV, a pressing concern in Botswana. She was speaking at the Women Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women Southern and East Africa Area seminar in Gaborone recently, where she praised the Methodist Church for incorporating the crucial topic of gender mainstreaming into their programme.
Ms Chombo commended their collaboration with key stakeholders such as Men and Boys and the Botswana Police Service, a move she considered essential in raising GBV awareness. She said such a gathering of congregants from various countries was a pivotal step towards bridging gaps and sharing insights to develop effective solutions against the pervasive issue of GBV, and urged church leaders to reject GBV for it undermined the ability of victims to contribute meaningfully to community development.
With only three shelters for GBV victims in Botswana, Ms Chombo acknowledged the inadequacy of such an important service and appealed to churches to help establish safe spaces since the church could serve as a refuge for those in need. The minister shared her recent visit to Molepolole Prison, where she gathered insights from perpetrators, saying the session revealed that many offenders had experienced violence in their upbringing, whether through harsh punishments from parents or exposure to violence within their households.
“This cycle of violence hardens individuals, causing them to disregard the consequences of their actions,” she explained.
Citing a local government study, Ms Chombo revealed that a study by local government indicated that physical violence remained alarmingly prevalent, affecting 43 per cent of boys and 43.4 per cent of girls, primarily at the hands of care-givers or parents.
According to the 2018 Botswana National Relationship Study, over two-thirds (67 per cent) of women in Botswana have experienced some form of gender violence during their lives. The statistic, which includes both partner and non-partner violence, is compounded by nearly half (44 per cent) of men admitting to perpetrating violence against women. These grim realities have prompted the government to implement robust measures aimed at combating GBV, said Minister Chombo.
Botswana Police Service commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe termed GBV a pandemic that necessitated a holistic approach.
“We must identify root causes, develop solutions and address the aftermath of GBV,” she said, stressing the importance of building strong partnerships among stakeholders.
Ms Marathe further said the digital landscape had aggravated the vulnerabilities of at risk groups such as children and individuals with disabilities. She recognised the church’s vital role in addressing the issues leading to GBV, viewing these platforms as opportunities for learning, response and healing amid social challenges.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that women and girls are safe while encouraging men to embrace their protective roles,” she said.
Molopo District area president, Ms Patricia Maphani described the seminar as a sacred moment for renewal and empowerment, reinforcing the significance of unity among women on a mission.
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