09 Feb 2021

The persistent gender biases and inequalities across various spectra of the society which have led to women and girls being abused is a source of great concern, says Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane.

 He said this during the virtual launch of the inter-ministerial committee on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) yesterday.

 “This calls for greater effort and commitment from all of us to engage in behavioural change that will, in turn, eliminate societal and cultural norms that perpetuate Gender-Based Violence,” he said.

Stating that the importance of gender equality to the sustainable development of any country remained unquestionable, Mr Tsogwane said government was committed to accord women adequate space to explore their potential in the socio-economic, political and cultural development of the nation.

He called on all Batswana to join efforts in the prevention of GBV and the protection of its victim and survivors.

In addition, he urged institutions, both public and private, as well as politicians, dikgosi and faith leaders to gather all the necessary resources to fight GBV.

 On the committee, Mr Tsogwane said it was the fulfilment of government’s promise to take firm, decisive and swift action to eradicate GBV.

Government, he said, remained committed to fighting GBV with vigour as exemplified by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

“You will recall that during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Children Campaign in 2018, His Excellency pledged to step up his commitment and actions on working hard and smart to end Gender-Based Violence,” he said.

He also noted efforts by government to treat GBV cases with urgency as illustrated by the establishment of special courts. 

This, he said, would relieve those affected by the GBV ordeal the trouble of having to wait for long periods of time before their cases were heard.

Mr Tsogwane further expressed concern at the increasing numbers of GBV cases and brutality in the country, a situation he said seemed to have exacerbated since the outbreak of COVID-19.

He thanked civil society, development partners, the media and the business community for their support and commitment towards addressing and ending GBV.

 

 They were also encouraged to continue collaborating with government for it was only through concerted efforts that  the scourge could be eliminated.BOPA