07 Oct 2020

Gaborone City Council in partnership with the First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi and Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs will embark on a cycling challenge to educate and sensitise the public about gender based violence (GBV).

Briefing the media about the cycling challenge scheduled for October 10, Gaborone City Mayor, Mr Father Maphongo stressed that fighting GBV required a multi-sectoral approach hence befitting to engage the first lady who had always taken the lead in the fight against GBV.

He noted that the idea to embark on such an initiative was propelled by the increasing numbers of GBV cases which were recorded during the lockdown period, where the majority of victims were women and children who still remained extremely vulnerable in the communities.

“The first lady and ourselves are committed to drive change, create awareness and start conversations and discussions on GBV,” he said.

He encouraged both the victims and those affected by GBV to actively participate and take the responsibility to fight against GBV, adding that their participation would make a difference.

He said this would also support President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s effort in the fight against GBV.

In addition he said 26 per cent of cases recorded in September this year in Gaborone, accounted for GBV.

These cases he said included rape, family conflicts, defilement, relationship conflicts, child access dispute and human trafficking.

However, he noted that there were different interventions in place including counselling of GBV victims and their families in an effort to bring about behavioural change.

Furthermore he said government together with relevant stakeholders had seen the need to do more in fighting the scourge.

The mayor also emphasised the need for action sooner than later, commending the first lady for leading in the fight against GBV.

Speaking on behalf of the first lady, Ms Morati Molelekeng said statistics of GBV cases continued to paint a gloomy picture on the country, urging all to take action in fighting GBV.

She said it was imperative for the nation to unite in the endeavour to end GBV, calling upon all stakeholders to work together in finding the solution.

Ms Molelekeng said the cycling challenge was one of the campaigns which the first lady would participate in to send across the message of GBV. ENDS