01 Jun 2021

 Men and Boys for Gender Equality (MBGE) will host the first ever  gender based violence (GBV) activism award ceremony in Gaborone on June 11.

In an interview, MBGE programme coordinator, Mr Desmond Lunga said recognising heroes was part of MBGE’s ongoing commitment to curb skyrocketing GBV statistics in Botswana.

He said the initiative was conceptualised to encourage members of the public, particularly men and boys, in educating their communities about ending GBV and promoting healthy lifestyles for women, men and children.

“These awards are a form of mobilising communities in actively engaging in ending GBV and also be the organisation’s contribution to observing the annual 16 Days of Activism against GBV which starts from November 25 to December 10,” he stated.

Mr Lunga said the event was also intended to appreciate  efforts that different entities made towards ending GBV.

Giving details of the event, MBGE’s Ms Ontlametse Raleru,  said there would be different categories of awards recognising individuals, groups, companies, Non-Governmental Organisations and government departments.

She said preparations for the event, which  would be live streamed on different media platforms, were advanced. ends