09 Nov 2021

The HIV and gender Based Violence (GBV) stigma and discrimination awareness programme implemented by BONEPWA is said to be bearing fruit.

The programme’s aim is to engage stakeholders to fight and contribute to the reduction of HIV and GBV stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV, tuberculosis patients and other vulnerable groups.

In an interview, BONEPWA district coordinator in Maun, Mr Gosalamang Xaa said the programme was going as planned as members of the community were fully participating in some of the activities in line with the programme implementation schedule.

He mentioned some activities such as community dialogue held at Sedie and gender based violence campaigns conducted at Matlapana and Moeti clinics noting the attendance was satisfactory.

“We had interesting discussions as participants raised critical issues that fuel gender based violence amongst families and the society at large. We also proposed brilliant solutions to address the issues,” Mr Xaa explained.

He said participants cited alcohol, drugs and substance abuse and some cultural practices as some of the major factors that fueled GBV and spread of HIV.

Mr Xaa culprit cultural practices included lobola, which gave the impression the woman was now man’s property.

This Mr Xaa argued that it gave men more powers to control women.

He noted some women remained in dysfunctional marriages because they depended on men as providers.

“They also were all in agreement that mistrust, pride and jealousy amongst partner can also contribute to GBV as some men can not handle rejection and resorted to violence instead”, he explained.

The participants also identified some scriptures, which if applied blindly could lead to GBV.

“For example there’s a Bible verse which encourages women to be submissive to their husbands. Married couples especially, noted with concern that the verse was discriminative and limited other partner’s power in marriage”.

Mr Xaa thanked participants and hoped the issues they raised would help inform future programme to address issues of all forms of GBV.

He also highlighted that the ideas would also help to form a base for Stigma Impact Surveys. Ends