28 Aug 2015

In an effort to spread the message on Gender Based Violence (GVB), the THC Foundation in collaboration with Botswana Student Network found it fit to organise a two day seminar to sensitise tertiary students on GVB issues.

Speaking during the seminar in Gaborone recently NACA national coordinator, Ms Grace Muzila said GBV is one of the drivers of the epidemic including, alcohol and multiple partners. She said prevalence of HIV is  high in tertiary schools as the age group found there ranges from 20 years to 25 years.

She said violence is there as statistics are depressing and disturbing, but some cases are not reported. She mentioned that rape cases for 10 years recorded from 2003 to 2013 were 19239; defilement cases 428 in 2008 and 580 in 2010 whereas incest cases were seven in 2008 and 33 in 2013. She stated that the figures are bad, saying something has to be done to discourage such instances.

However, Ms Muzila encouraged young people who attended the seminar to have a self-development plan which will add value to their lives and discourage all forms of GBV.

Gender activist, Ms Keabonye Ntsabane said GBV is real and tertiary students can use the energy they have to disseminate messages on GBV as well as to encourage others to participate in such issues to discourage GBV.

She said much has been done about GBV but it is not enough hence different voices of young people are needed to raise more awareness on such issues, adding they should be exemplary to others by avoiding GBV.

The chairperson of THC Foundation, Rtd Lt. Gen Tebogo Masire highlighted that all people should be concerned with the GBV as it affects the country. He said on everyday basis there are cases of divorces, rapes which are all results of GBV, which needs attention.

He said the objective of the seminar is to sensitise young people against violence, its forms, causes and effects. He noted that the seminar will provide participants with the tactics and strategies on how to address those who are in violent situations and how to help them out. Ends