14 Oct 2020

Renowned gender activist, Ms Keabonye Ntsabane, says gender based violence (GBV) victims should be afforded an opportunity to speak. 

 Ms Ntsabane, who is the founder of Keabonye Ntsabane Gender Based Violence Trust, expressed this in an interview recently. 

 She said there was need to enable the community to see severity of the problem. 

 “These people’s voices need to be heard. We need to listen to victims and learn from them,” said Ms Ntsabane, who is also councillor for Taung ward in the Ramotswa constituency. 

She said a lot of efforts had gone towards condemning GBV, while little attention had been given to the victims voice. 

 Ms Ntsabane said allowing the victims to tell their stories could change perceptions about GBV. 

 However, she said for GBV to stop, it would take an individual’s effort to shun violence and cease from doing it. Ms Ntsabane said all that stakeholders could do was to sensitise communities about the danger and impact of GBV. 

Furthermore, the activist said efforts to condemn GBV by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi were commendable. 

She said such noble efforts would go a long way in the fight against the problem and she called upon all leaders to condemn and educate about GBV. 

She further said government should be commended for working hard to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the coordination and management of the national GBV response. 

Ms Ntsabane, however, added that there was need to strengthen existing efforts due to the complexity of managing GBV cases. 

 Ms Ntsabane further described as unfortunate the parading of GBV scenes in social media saying such brought pain and trauma to the victims and their families. ends