07 Mar 2021

Six hiking clubs have donated P54 000 to three organisations in a bid to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) related issues.

Speaking at the handover event, the public relations officer of Walk Away from GBV, Ms Olebogeng Oitebetse said the clubs found it fit to partner to defeat GBV by organising a walk. She said the proceeds would benefit Emang Basadi, Stepping Stone International and Kula BW Foundation who would get P18 000 each.

“These donations are given in the spirit of all true gifts and we urge everyone to support victims of GBV and to also raise awareness about the impact of GBV on the nation,” she said.

In addition, she said they were planning to do the event annually. She urged the public to show support through their #WalkAway campaign messages on social media.

For her part, head of political, press and information section at European Union, Ms Silvia Hamrouni said COVID-19 had been a challenge for all, with lockdowns affecting social patterns and family life. She said there had been many reports of an increase in gender based and domestic violence around the globe, but that the issue was not new to the pandemic.

“Botswana is no exception as it experienced GBV hence why we are gathered here today.  

GBV is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights. We have to do much more to end these horrible abuses and impunity that allows these human rights violations to continue,” she said.

Ms Hamrouni further said they were in support of various initiatives aimed at protecting women’s rights under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) which aims at contributing to the development and consolidation of democracy and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide.

In addition, she said they signed two projects with civil society organisations in line with the European Union COVID-19 response support.

The projects will be funded through a P5.7 million grant under the EIDHR to support victims of gender based and domestic violence and defend the rights of marginalised groups.  ENDS