07 Dec 2015

The Maun community has been urged to fight gender based violence affecting woman and children.  

Chief education officer in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Ms Didimalang Mmemo made the plea during a men’s stiletto walk organised by Woman Against Rape (WAR) in Maun recently.

The walk was unique as men were putting on stiletto shoes as a way of standing against gender based violence affecting women and children.

The event was held under the theme: From peace in the home to peace in the world, make education safe for all. It also marked the 16 days campaign of activism against gender based violence.

Ms Mmemo said violence was more common in women and children, adding that the ordeal touches more soul than flesh. She said when a child has been violated, it affected their learning capacity.

She said teachers as well faced the same condition, adding that if violated they would not yield fruits to students.

Ms Mmemo said the mind of both students and teachers should always be free, and not to allow violence to hinder their day to day activities.

She said girls should be given support during adolescence as it had been discovered that when there was no support, they could miss classes affecting their studies.

She said the community should value education, adding that discrimination in people living with disabilities, early or forced marriage could affect the learning ability of children.

Ms Mmemo applauded organisations dealing with gender based violence such as WAR, Rich for Life and others that continue to assist the government in fighting gender based violence.

“Safety is everybody’s concern, bana ke ba rona rotlhe, let us protect them and nurture them as they are our future,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting assistant district commissioner, Mr Shathiso Daki raised concern about the low turn-out of men, adding that it was important for men to attend and acquire education about gender based violence.

He said Botswana has been affected by the violence despite the 16 days of campaign of fighting gender violence against women and children, calling on people to work as a team to bring zero violence in the country.

Mr Daki noted that about 50 per cent of women in 2013 had been sexually abused.  He urged women to report violence even if the perpetrator was the bread winner.

He cautioned men who entice teenagers with valuable items in return for sexual favours.  

Another speaker, Ms Peggy Ramaphane, the coordinator of WAR said they would draw the attention of community leaders such as dikgosi, Members of Parliament, councillors and parents to take action against violence in schools, churches and other places.  ENDS