11 Sep 2019

Establishment of a district gender committee is expected to help eliminate gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking during a two-day gender committee training workshop in Selebi Phikwe on September 9, Men Sector coordinator, Mr Nonofo Leteane, said once in operation, the committee would be tasked with the responsibility to address all GBV incidences.

Mr Leteane encouraged men to be part of the committee, adding that his organisation had realised that men were mostly perpetrators of gender-based violence, but were often left out when the community deliberated on related issues.

He said there was a need for a platform or forum where all stakeholders could share issues of GBV as well as HIV/AIDS and come up with strategies to address the challenges.

He also added that it was imperative to devise strategies to teach the girl child the need to take good care of themselves.

He said the Botswana National Relationship Study of 2018 showed that most of the violence reported occurred within intimate relationships

Mr Lentswe Motsamai, who was also a facilitator, said there was need for a district gender committee that would be inclusive of civil societies and government organisations.

He said it was upon the government, civil society organisations as well as private businesses and individuals to actively respond to gender-based violence with the aim of preventing and eradicating the problem.

He said GBV should focus on primary prevention as well as good response and support mechanisms which in turn can be preventive.

“Working in unison, prevention, response and support strategies can both reduce GBV and ensure redress for those affected.” ENDS