26 Apr 2022

 Youths have been urged to refrain from turning a blind eye whenever they witness gender based violence (GBV) scenes.

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Mr Tumiso Rakgare made athe plea during a 7.5km walk from Mmopane to Mogoditshane main kgotla, which was meant to sensitise the community about gender based violence on Saturday.

The walk was hosted by Kweneng Deanery Chiro youth movement.

He commended the youth movement for taking up the responsibility of creating awareness on the fight against gender based violence, adding that youth should be mindful that it was not the elders’ responsibility to build the nation, but theirs too.

“The elders’ responsibility to shape and build the nation has passed, now is our time as the youth to create change and build a good nation,” he stated.

Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja stated that gender based violence was a universal problem that cut across class and culture, hence imperative for Batswana to unite and combat it.

She said gender based violence was one of the most prevalent violations of human rights, one of the least prosecuted crimes and a greatest threats to peace and development.

“This is the reason why we as a nation need to focus and address the matter as soon as possible,” she added.

Senior assistant commissioner of police, Mr Pilane Sebigi highlighted that since the start of COVID-19, gender based violence cases had risen over other criminal activities, which was a worrisome trend.

He urged the youth to normalise reporting any criminal activity despite the circumstances and encouraged them to unite in the fight against gender based violence.

“The toll free number 0800600144 is always available whenever and wherever you want to report on gender based violence,” he said.

Kweneng Deanery Chiro youth movement chairperson, Mr Donald Mosala said that gender based violence mostly affected youth, children and women, a reason the church youth decided to raise a voice and stand against the vice. ENDS