29 Apr 2018

Human rights and gender activists have expressed concern at the escalating incidences of violence against women in Botswana.

Speaking at a press briefing recently, Kagisong Women’s Shelter representative, Ms Lerato Sakufiwa said safety and security for women and girls whether in their homes, school environment or workplace was not guaranteed.

Ms Sakufiwa noted that rape continued to be a contributory factor to gross violation of human rights, especially rights of women and girls, the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

She said despite the increase in rape cases in Botswana, implementation of the law against rape was still weak while impunity for perpetrators continued.

She noted that such act of violence further entrenched gender inequality by limiting the choices of women and girls.

 “We are calling on the government to lead the nation in exercising due diligence towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls through prevention, protection, prosecution, punishment of perpetrators, provision of redress and reparation for victims,” she said.

Ms Sakufiwa further called all government agents charged with the responsibility to protect the public against ‘this cruel and life altering crime’ to take required urgent steps to educate the public towards prevention and mitigation.

She explained that the society had a singular and collective responsibility to create equal development opportunities for women and girls by providing necessary assurances of freedom of choice and safety in their private as well as public spheres. ENDS