22 Dec 2014

In an effort to commemorate 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the gender affairs department in Chobe District 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 recently, Chobe District officer, Ms Kushata Tsokedi explained that the bogosi institution was vital in addressing inequality and gender based violence (GBV) within communities.

“Dikgosi are custodians and protectors of culture, customs and values hence 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 said the pitso was a key intervention in government’s efforts to bridge the gap in gender knowledge so that gender justice issues were addressed effectively.

“Where traditions and customs are positive and empowering, respectful and inspiring, they must be treasured and passed on to the younger generation. However, where certain traditional practices and customs hurt or disempower, they must be rejected or altered,” she said.

In his address, Kasane Customary Court president, Mr Moffat Mwezi said some people hide behind culture when committing gender based violence (GBV). “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 officer by some people whose cases were handled by customary courts. Some dikgosi said educated women were worsening GBV and complicating marriages by disrespecting their spouses.

Dr Morena Rankopo, who was facilitating at the pitso, explained that women who were uneducated tolerate GBV because they have nowhere else to go, while educated women generally do not tolerate GBV.

 “Males and females must work together to build stable relationships,” he advised. He also explained that marital rape does exist in some situations where relations between 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.

The pitso follows one which was held in 2012, in which 80 dikgosi from around the country gathered to dialogue gender mainstreaming in the customary justice system. ENDS