23 May 2017

Petlo Literary Arts Trust recently held a workshop aimed at training and sensitising young writers on how to express themselves when writing about Gender Based Violence which affects them and the public.

The two-day workshop commenced at Cresta President Hotel in Gaborone under the theme: Writing about Gender Based Violence.

Former Botswana Defence Force Commander, Lt Gen. Tebogo Masire, who is chairperson of the THC Foundation, urged participants to write books that raise awareness about GBV issues.

“I would love to see writers come up with books and booklets to help raise awareness and address (GBV) issues that affect us as a society, as I strongly believe books are relevant forms of media,” said Lt Gen. Masire, who was the guest speaker at the event.

He explained that books last for a long period on shelves and were a useful source of information.

Lt Gen. Masire said the problem of GBV was being experienced throughout the world with at least one out of four women having experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.

He said GBV figures were equally alarming in Botswana and as such the THC Foundation sought to highlight the plight of women and children in the country.

“Our vision as a foundation is to create a Botswana in which women and children live in violent free homes,” he explained.

Lt Gen. Masire said his foundation aims to provide support and promote the advocacy, training and education to women and children who were victims of domestic violence through encouragement and advancement of initiatives that promote and protect women and children.

Barolong Seboni, who is the chairperson of Petlo Literary Arts Trust, and Valentine Tendani from Kagisano Women’s Shelter, were other dignitaries who graced the occasion.

Tendani said their duty as organisations and foundations was to educate people so that they could seek help and know when to leave when abused.

“Children are mostly affected from witnessing terrifying situations taking place within their homes and surroundings,” she said.

She noted that their non-governmental organisation gave temporary shelter to women and boys from 12 years and below who had been victims of GBV for a minimum of three months.

“We provide counselling for victims of abuse, children and perpetrators as well and all clients. I strongly believe that writers present will be able to produce books and short stories that will contribute to raising awareness on all forms of abuse,” she said.  ENDS