13 Dec 2020

Gender Based Violence (GBV) continues to occur at an alarming rate in every country around the world, says the First Lady Ms Neo Masisi.  

Officially closing the 16 days of activism against GBV in Gaborone Thursday, Ms Masisi said although the voices of activists and survivors had reached a crescendo that could not be silenced or ignored, ending violence against women would require more investment, leadership and action.

She observed that GBV was serious violation of human rights.

 Ms Masisi said GBV affected almost everyone and it could not be sidelined as it must be part of every country’s national response, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We have seen GBV manifesting itself in different forms combined with child abuse particularly sexual abuse. We saw escalating levels of GBV particularly during the period of extreme social distancing where a lot of our homes became unsafe places where vulnerable women and children were housed with predators and they became victims to heinous acts,”  she said.

The First Lady applauded members of the National Women’s Wing of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for initiating a series of activities throughout the campaign.

She said it was the disturbing levels of GBV and child abuse incidents that forced the BDP National Women’s Wing to embark on countrywide activities. They joined the rest of the nation to say no to GBV, said Ms Masisi.

She said BDP National Women’s Wing used their structures to support strong message by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to all Batswana advocating for action to be taken in the prevention and immediate response to GBV.

Ms Masisi further noted that in most cases women and girls suffered the psychological and emotional trauma coupled with pain tortures as they relived the incident throughout their entire life and this resulted in low self-esteem and mental health issues.

“For many their dreams are cut short and the reason for going on with life is actually questioned at times ending in suicidal thoughts,” she said.

Ms Masisi said in most cases GBV ended in loss of life for victims and their loved ones hence people should report any sign of GBV as the effects were irreversible.

She said GBV might affect women’s ability to continue their education as some of them dropped out of schools due to teenage pregnancy, which could instill low sense of worth in them.  Ms Masisi said GBV could result in victims being disabled hence not able to earn a livelihood leading to poverty and dependency on men.

The First Lady said GBV also affected women’s future social relationships and ability to fully participate in public activities therefore not contributing to the development of the country.

Men and boys, she said, could not be left behind as effects on them could also be physical where they suffer injuries, resort to drugs, drinking and smoking and ultimately resulting in fatal diseases. 

Ms Masisi explained that the way a boy-child and girl-child were raised had also shown to have a bearing in their future relationships and view of GBV. 

“For healthy relationships going forward let us change and challenge these as they perpetuate gender based violence, lets us encourage equal participation for both boys and girls without discrimination.”

Ms Masisi said boys should be taught how to handle feelings of hurt and anger and how to talk about them, adding that they should also be taught about compassion and nurturing and should also be exposed to male role models. She further emphasized that violence against women was not inevitable but rather preventable. 

Gaborone City Mayor, Mr Father Maphongo also emphasised that although the day marked the last day of the 16 days of activism against GBV it should not be the end of activism against GVB but be the beginning of a continuous and a relentless fight against this scourge.

He noted that research has shown consistently that men were perpetrators of violence on women and children, he said.

“I would therefore like to stop and pose and apologise on behalf of those men who have continued to tarnish our good name as men and ask them to repent,” said Mr Maphongo

He applauded some men who had shown interest in the fight against GBV and wanted to be part of the solution giving example of the current full council motion that sought to introduce paternity leave which intended to facilitate participation of men in nurturing and upbringing of children.  Ends