19 Oct 2014

Women Against Rape (WAR) have collaborated with a well known artiste and song writer, Tshepo Lesole, to compose and record a song for the Fokotsa dino project that carries the tagline Xhuchika naare o santse o nwa bojalwa.

Speaking during launch of the song, Ms Oanthata Sentle, the project officer for the Alcohol Levy Fund project said the main aim of the initiative was to repeatedly expose the beneficiaries to the Fokotsa dino behavioural change message across the country in a catchy yet informative way.

Sentle said through the song, values such as unity, respect and botho were pointed out as essentials in combating issues of HIV/AIDS, gender based violence and alcohol abuse. She said the opening verse of their song starts as “Let us be responsible, take care of ourselves, and promote peace and happiness wherever we are”.

Sentle said all this signified the need for all to stand up and be accountable for their choice of lifestyle adding that failure to do so would mean that the high rate of infection and violation of women and children will go up. 

“This song calls for everyone to be actively involved in reducing the consumption of alcohol, not just because it is a danger to one’ s health but because it also affects the family, those around you and the country at large,” said Sentle.

Furthermore, she said the song was not for fun but noted that the target audience has to meditate, internalise and put into practice the message behind the lyrics. She said for this nation to see change in their community, they have to assess and evaluate their lifestyle and determine whether they are leading a toxic or healthy life.

“Lets us be challenged by WAR’s efforts to bring change into our community and also assist them by encouraging and supporting those people amongst us who are behind,” said Sentle.

Ms Sentle said the nation needed people to change in terms of alcohol consumption and explained that the change begins with each and every one of them. She applauded the community for working hand in hand with their 38 representatives from 19 wards in Maun to be community activists in the project.

On other issues, she said WAR works vigorously to increase public awareness on the growing problem of violence against women and children through education within the Maun community and across major villages of Sehithwa, Gumare, Shakawe and Seronga.

She said various studies in Botswana have indicated that alcohol abuse is a contributing factor in issues of HIV/AIDS and is a trigger in issues related to violent and delinquent behavior.

Ms Sentle said that their goal is to establish effective structures for the rehabilitation and support of victims of alcohol abuse within the Ngamiland district, adding that Students against rape clubs have been formed in various schools as a way of raising awareness among the school population as they are affected by these issues.

Consequently, she said WAR does not work in isolation as they partner with other stakeholders such as the police, hospital, social and community development, culture activists as well as other NGOs, as part of promoting and encouraging community ownership and involvement. ENDS