02 Sep 2019

Participants at the men sector Pitso in Tlokweng recently have singled them out as contributing to many social ills.

Among the many charges that men were blamed for was abusing women and neglecting their children, which affected their upbringing.

They also said it contributed to the spread of diseases. 

Reverend Tom Lekanang of Independent Assemblies of Botswana (IAB) advised men to take their rightful place in society.

He said men dominated decision making but that the character displayed by some at the family level was disappointing.

Reverend Lekanang said men should lead their families under the guidance of God, but that it was not the case as many had moved away from God’s teachings. 

He said some men were drunkards, abusive husbands and even neglected their children. 

He said such behaviour was a deviation from God’s teachings as they were supposed to be provide care, support, and love as well as providing for their families and society.

Rev. Lekanang said if men could rise up and take responsibility of their families, the country would benefit a lot, adding that the economy would not improve until men took their place of leading the economy. 

He added that it started with providing for their  families.

Another speaker, Ms Khumo Letsweletse of the Department of Gender Affairs called on men to shun abuse against women and children.

Ms Letsweletse also called on men who were abused to feel free to report their matter to the police, adding that there was a focal person for gender based abuse in every police station. 

The District AIDS Coordinator (DAC), Mr Nkosiyabo Nkomazana said there was need for men to make their households a safe place to live, adding that it started with protecting the family against sicknesses.

Mr Nkomazana regretted that men were slow to act on health issues, and that in most cases men sought help when the situation had worsened. ENDS