28 Sep 2020

Senior gender officer, Mr Kabelo Tsiang has expressed concern over the increasing number of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in Francistown.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on September 24,, Mr Tsiang said the outbreak of COVID-19 had contributed to the rise of GBV cases.

Mr Tsiang urged stakeholders to find a holistic approach towards eliminating GBV incidents.

He noted that about 35 per cent of women in Francistown had experienced GBV while 27 per cent of men had also experienced the same.

He said a study from January to date showed that the city was battling with matters of physical abuse, defilement and rape. 

He noted that cases of physical abuse topped the list followed by defilements and rape.

Mr Tsiang also noted that Botswana adopted the integrated approach to combating GBV. He added that the key strategy was to create a multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional response.

Moreover, he said the approach was intended to address high incidences of GBV, particularly violence against women and HIV and AIDS.

He added that there were  inadequacies in sector response strategies such as the handling of GBV cases (institutional case management) and minimal level of coordination and collaboration on GBV services between relevant organisations and departments.

He urged all stakeholders to work together and continue educating the public about the dangers of violence.

For her part, District AIDS coordinator, Ms Elizabeth Wright informed stakeholders that Botswana was on the second spot on issues of GBV, and that violence cut across all age groups and genders.

She concurred with Mr Tsiang that public education would help bridge the gap and reduce incidents of GBV.

“If one is informed they know how to handle certain situations and even become aware of what’s happening around them,” she said.Ms Wright said the national strategic framework on HIV and AIDS interventions talked about service provision to the key populations. 

 Assistant gender officer, Ms Maipelo Mogatwane said the meeting was meant to appreciate the extent of GBV in the city.

“The meeting was to improve the district involvement and also to brainstorm effective measures to reduce GBV incidences in the district. ends