28 Mar 2021

The Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi says the commemoration of Denim Day set for April 28 is conveniently scheduled to follow some initiatives geared towards observance of human rights.

Speaking during the Denim Day official launch on March 26, she said that the commemoration was seen as an opportunity to show solidarity and support to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors.

Ms Mokgethi said commemoration of the day, would be renewing commitment to exposing harmful behaviours and attitudes surrounding sexual violence. She has said Denim Day called all to action, summoning them to do nothing less than changing the culture of shame and blame. The minister called upon women of all ages to avoid blaming and judging themselves on what others did to them and live by the slogan ‘my body, my terms’, further stating that women were the foot soldiers of their preferred destiny.

She has said the Denim Day emanated from a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision in which the same court overturned a rape conviction where the victim was reported to have been wearing tight jeans.

“The way people dress can be an important expression of their religious, cultural or personal identity or beliefs,” she said.

Ms Mokgethi said under international human rights law, everyone had the right to freedom of expression and to manifest their religion or beliefs.

“As a society, we should respect, protect and ensure every individual's right to express their belief systems or personal convictions or identity,” she further said.

Minister Mokgethi emphasised the need to create a conducive environment in which every person could make their choice free of coercion.

She further called upon community members, elected officials, business and student leaders and every member of the society to stand firm against the misconceptions surrounding GBV in all its manifestations.

For His part, Former President, Dr Festus Mogae has said GBV in Botswana was very disturbing, adding that the gathering through Denim Day was the testimony to the seriousness of the matter.

He urged all stakeholders, religious leaders, Dikgosi, educators, elders, parents, media, law enforcement, activists, legislators and the nation at large to take a stand towards ending GBV in Botswana.

He further said the issue of rape had not escaped the country as recent reports had continuously shown that Botswana was one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to GBV.

Dr Mogae further said Botswana was placed as the second-worst country in Africa in terms of GBV.

“We are a country known for high standards and being amongst the top countries in the world that abuses women and children is unlike us. We need to do better,” he said. 

Dr Mogae further commended organisations like Lucara Botswana who had seen it fit to put an effort in fighting GBV. 

Giving an overview of the Denim Day, Managing Director Lucara Botswana, Ms Naseem Banu Lahri said Lucara Botswana was committed to promoting gender equality hence adopted Sustainable Development  5 (SDG 5) of Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

“This SDG is committed to eliminating harmful practices such as violence and sexual assaults on women and girls,” she said.

“Therefore, Lucara Botswana has decided to roll out a campaign intended to empower, educate, and create awareness against sexual violence on the girl-child,” she said.

Ms Lahri noted that Botswana Police Service recorded a total of 531 domestic violence cases encompassing murder, threat to kill, rape, and defilement while rape cases stand at 181 cases across the country. ends