27 Nov 2019

Members of the Parliamentary Caucus on Women have lobbied government to create laws and policies which protect women and girls against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Women also Lentsweletau-Mmopane MP, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja said this when marking the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against GBV in Parliament on Monday.

The campaign which runs from  November 25 until December 10, challenges violence often instigated on women and girls.

She said as women in Parliament, they had pledged to ensure that Parliament put in place appropriate laws as well as to ensure a gender inclusive budget.

Ms Makwinja said women in Parliament would advocate for sexual reproductive health rights which would go a long way in reducing GBV.

She called on legislators to fight all forms of GBV and put measures in place to combat the incidence of rape in the country.

Ms Makwinja said there was need for politicians, policy makers, women’s movements, GBV survivors, human rights activists and the general public to create opportunities for communication and engage on GBV.

She further said there was need for government and politicians to support funding of organisations that empower women, amplify their voices, support survivors and promote acceptance of people of various orientations.

She highlighted that organisations such as Women Against Rape in Botswana supported survivors of rape and other forms of violence and as such, should be supported financially to keep them operational.

“I urge Members of Parliament to inform their constituents and Batswana at large of the existence of such organisations so that women know where to go for help if they ever find themselves in situations where they are victims of abuse,” she stated.

Ms Makwinja said Botswana Police Service reports indicated that rape cases tend to increase during the festive season adding that in 2018, 109 cases were recorded between December and January, an increase of 29 rape cases when compared to the same period in 2017 which had 80 cases.

Ms Makwinja appealed to victims of rape to come forth and seek justice. “This can only be successful if we all come together and ensure an equal generation that stands against rape. So instead of blaming the victims, we should all be rising to support and protect them,” she said. ENDS