20 Nov 2019

 Swaneng Hill School male students on November 19 joined scores of men across the globe in commemoration of the International Men’s Day, an annual occasion whose purpose is to celebrate the achievements of boys and men.

The event, organised by Men Sector, saw a couple of organisations and the faith-based community address the students on topics such as HIV/AIDS, safe male circumcision and Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Appealing to the students to test for HIV, district AIDS Coordinator, Ms Masego Mabe noted that statistics showed that in comparison to females, males tended to be more reluctant to test and make use of the different health initiatives that government had put in place.

Ms Mabe said government had over the years come up with different initiatives aimed at addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic hence it was crucial for Batswana to ensure that such efforts did not go to waste.

She informed the male students that they had a key role to play and could contribute immensely towards ensuring that Botswana attained an HIV/AIDS-free generation.

From the Gender Affairs Department, Ms Abaleng Khombane appealed to the students to shun GBV in all its manifestations.She said since GBV could have far-reaching consequences, it was important that all in the society played a role in stopping it.

She encouraged them to always report incidences of GBV, saying not doing so was tantamount to condoning and encouraging it.

Representing Men Sector, Assistant Superintendent Philip Mokoto of Serowe Prison implored the boys to take charge of their lives and carve a good future for themselves by ensuring that they steered clear of anything that could ruin their lives.

Assistant Superintendent Mokoto further called on them to dream big and push hard towards the attainment of their dreams.

He urged them to be protective of their loved ones as well as their female counterparts.

Further to celebrating the achievements of boys and men, the commemoration was also held to help eliminate harmful gender stereotypes.International Men’s Day was this year held under the theme: Making a Difference for Men and Boys. Ends