26 May 2013

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has expressed concern over high incidences of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Speaking at workshop  in Ghanzi on May 24, Mr Batshu said a study undertaken by Gender Links in 2011/2012 had revealed a shocking 67 per cent prevalence rate of GBV, and 62 per cent of the women sampled, said they had experienced abuse within intimate partner relationships.

Minister said this was a challenge to all citizens to put on their full weight and confront the problem. 

The participants heard that between 2009 and 2012, the Botswana Police recorded 7 492 rape cases and 2 068 cases of defilement.

“It is disheartening to note that we still have cases of defilement of imbeciles,” said Mr Batshu.

Over the four year period the numbers had declined, but it was still a concern that mentally challenged people are abused and still not safe, he said.  

Although Botswana has made progress on all critical areas of concern from the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, the country still faced serious challenges in violence against women and children.

“The numbers are just a tip of the iceberg because the GBV prevalence study had indicated that 89 per cent of rape cases are not reported,” said Minister Batshu.

The minister said government continues to develop strategies through which to combat the GBV pandemic such as the establishment of Gender Focal Points in all police stations, which have improved the level of responsiveness to GBV reported cases.

“Government has also put measures in place to protect women who have been raped from contracting HIV through the provision of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP),” he noted.

Minister Batshu also said in an effort to effectively fight GBV his ministry has also identified the institution of Dikgosi as vital in addressing gender inequality and GBV within communities.

Dikgosi have always played an important role in Botswana society as they are the custodians of culture, customs and values.

They also carry the responsibility to promote positive values within the community and advocate for the respect of men, women and children. ENDS