22 Jun 2016

Kgatleng District Council chairperson, Mr Mpho Morolong, has appealed to men to recognise women and the girl child as human beings, who need to be respected, protected and treated with dignity.

Speaking during the official opening of the district’s full council meeting in Mochudi on Monday, Mr Morolong said civic leaders had been entrusted with the responsibility of representing and advocating for the people’s rights.

He said Botswana was a signatory to various treaties meant to promote and advocate for women and girl child rights.

He, however, said in contrast to the good deeds and aspirations you will find day in and day out throughout the year, breaking news about cases reported to the police about men who defiled, raped and seduced women or girls.

“Therefore, I am appealing to you honourable councillors to impart knowledge and ensure that our electorates are educated on issues concerning women and girl child rights,” said Mr Morolong.

He condemned in the strongest possible terms acts of abuse to women and girl child and such acts were not only painful, but ferocious and barbaric.

He, therefore, asked councillors to undertake their fundamental responsibility as civic leaders to protect women and children by creating a safe living environment and enacting suitable legal frameworks for them.

Mr Morolong said just like men, women deserved to live in harmony and enjoy freedom of movement. ENDS