16 Dec 2014

The gender affairs department in Chobe District recently held a bogosi gender pitso to engage dikgosi on the commitment of  government in achieving gender justice. 



Speaking at the launch of the pitso in Kasane, the district officer – administration, Ms Kushata Tsokedi said bogosi was vital in addressing inequality and Gender Based Violence (GBV) within communities. 



“Dikgosi are custodians and protectors of culture, customs and values, hence they carry the responsibility to promote positive values within the community and advocate for respect of men, women and children,” she said.



She added that influence of dikgosi prevailed despite forces of modernity, changing operational structures and procedures and urbanisation. 

 Ms Tsokedi noted that the pitso was key intervention in government’s effort to bridge the gap in gender knowledge so that gender justice issues could be addressed effectively. 



Where traditions and customs were positive and empowering, respectful and inspiring, they must be treasured and passed on to the younger generation, she noted.



“However, where certain traditional practices and customs hurt or dis-empower, they must be rejected or altered, for positive impact,” she said. 

In his address, the Kasane Customary Court president, Kgosi Moffat Mwezi noted that some people hide behind culture when committing GBV.

“Gender roles were clearly defined in our culture, therefore it is not cultural to commit an act of violence,” he said.



Kgosi Johane Chika of Parakarungu complained of the practice of running to the District Commissioner’s (DCs) office by some people whose cases are already being handled by the customary court. 

 There were many complaints by the Dikgosi that educated women were worsening GBV and complicating marriages by disrespecting their spouses. 



Dr Morena Rankopo, who was facilitating at the pitso, said uneducated women tolerate GBV because they have nowhere else to go, while educated women generally do not tolerate GBV because they have something to fall back on. 



He noted that in most cases, people misquote the Bible and pick scriptures that they feel favours them and then go on to misinterpret them. 

“Males and females must work together to build stable relationships,” he advised. 



Dr Rankopo also noted that marital rape does exist in some situations where relations between the spouses have soured.  

“A partner cannot refuse to be intimate for no reason,” he added.

 The theme for this year was “From peace in the home to peace in the world; let’s end violence against women and children with disabilities.”

This is in an effort to commemorate the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).  , which was part of the commemoration the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV)

The pitso was held to commemorate the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).

It followed the one held in 2012, where 80 Dikgosi from around the country gathered to dialogue on gender mainstreaming in the customary justice system. ENDS