Africa-Press – Botswana. Over the years, Botswana has been recording some of the highest cases of gender based violence. As an organisation, One Word therefore comes as a solution provider, with the aim to train and equip society on how to address GBV related issues. The organisation will be hosting a virtual talk show which will be a first of its kind.
One Word is an organisation that offers motivational speaking services, counselling and team building sessions. The founder, Luthando Ratau has expressed her understanding of GBV and how different societies respond to such issues. She shared that GBV is usually associated with women. However, men have for a long time been left out of these issues, which is a result of society’s response yet they too are prominent figures in such matters. “We have made great strides in trying to create suitable platforms where men, women and children are all protected, advocated for and educated about GBV,” said Ratau.
She added that they believe it is high time they tackle GBV on an equal platform, where both genders are equally engaged for participation. With their talk show, they wish to grant the male figure an opportunity to share ideas and experiences. They desire to adress the mental health of men as well as manage generally made perceptions about GBV.
According to One Word Programs Manager Kamogelo Goitse Mothibi, ddressing GBV related issues means that they assume a primary position of nurturing, groaning and educating the nation especially young people on life skills for a better public response. She added that despite the rise in cases of GBV, there is hope for the future. “The hope we have is in the fact that the sources of GBV can be easily identified and therefore with enough knowledge and education, the latter can be eradicated,” said Mothibi.
Ratau emphasised that the talk show will focus on the contribution of different comunity sectors across all levels as they want to bring stake holders to a position where they can be held accountable for their contribution. She explained that the talk show will be hosted on April 12. “We are looking foward to a great virtual experience. Our show will be live on our Facebook page, One Word. It will be held on a monthly schedule,” Ratau said.
The team has invited guest speakers including Psychologist Bonolo Lekorwe and business man Kagiso Mfa. Going foward, One Word aims to create a program specifically curated for men’s mental health and welfare. Additionally, they wish to extend GBV education to people living with disabilities as well as to also create an online support group for sexual assault victims.
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