25 Nov 2019

Live The Dream Organisation has initiated Motho le Motho Lentswe project to help it intensify the fight against rape incidences in Botswana.

Speaking during a gender workshop for artists in Francistown recently, Live The Dream Organisation coordinator, Mr Moutlwatsi Ramokgwebana said the aim was to join in the annual commemorations of 16 days of activism against gender based violence on women and children.

He said Motho le Motho Lentswe would be spearheaded by 16 poets from Francistown who would gather statistics and conduct surveys pertaining to issues of violence against women and children, and then present the results in the form of performing arts.

“We have chosen to educate and make the public aware about issues of gender based violence through performing arts as it does not only inform, but also entertains our audiences,” he said.

Mr Ramokgwebana further said that the project purpose was to stimulate Batswana into working together in the fight against gender based violence (GBV) in the country.

He added that since it would be impossible to attain change within the 16 days of the commemorations, the organisation would document each presentation by the poets for future use and referral by the public.

A representative of Live The Dream Organisation, Ms Lebopo Phologolo said the fact that the project, spearheaded by Francistown poets, was also a way of reviving poetry in the city.

In addition, she noted that the organisation would be working with the Department of Gender Affairs as they host this year’s national 16 Days of activism against gender based violence on women and children.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is, ‘Orange the World; Generation Equality Stands Against Rape.

’For his part, Francistown acting senior gender affairs coordinator, Mr Nelson Molapi said it was fitting to include the performing arts in the quest to fight gender based violence.

He said that the theme for the commemoration was intended to urge people of all genders and ages to stand together equally against issues such as rape.

“There would be no violence and rape if we consider each other to be equal,” he added.

Mr Molapi noted that statistics still showed that women were often victims of violence and rape than men.

Giving statistics of teenage pregnancy cases in Francistown, Mr Molapi said from the month of January to September, a total of 267 cases were recorded and eight of the victims were girls under the age of 15.

He further said that this was worrisome and appealed with  residents of Francistown to stand against such issues.

The commemoration was  launched yesterday and lasts until December 10.

Mr Molapi added that the launch of the commemoration would be graced by the country’s First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi who will be the guest speaker. ENDS