16 Nov 2022

Men should take it upon themselves to fight against the scourge of violence meted out to women and children and become more responsible, upright citizens, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Speaking after cabinet versus MPs football game played at the National Stadium on Tuesday, President Masisi said the overwhelming statistics of men being the major perpetrators of violence against women and children was worrisome and had to be addressed.

“The role of a real man within society is to protect and love their woman and children, not to bring harm upon them.

If you abuse a woman you become an embarrassment to your family and society, and you are becoming a bad role model to upcoming youngsters,” said Dr Masisi. He warned that violent behaviour or making emotionally rash decisions could lead one to prison or even death.

The President therefore pleaded with men and boys to desist from using violence, especially on women and children.

The President also rebuked rapists and sexual predators calling on them to undergo rehabilitation and transform to become proactive, positive contributors to the community.

Explaining the rationale behind the day’s activities, Department of Gender Affairs deputy director Ms Phemelo Maiketso said the idea was to reach men through a sport they loved, football, using national and community leaders, the President, cabinet ministers and MPs.

“As we enter the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, which normally runs from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women,  to December 10, International Human Rights Day.This is build up activity that raises awareness on gender based violence ,” Ms Maiketso said.

She said the day’s theme, Kick the Ball, Not the Woman,  was meant to discourage the perpetration of violence against women and children.

Its other aim was to  encourage men who might find themselves in a situation where they felt angry or provoked, to find legal avenues of cooling down their tempers such as playing sport or getting psycho-social support, she said.

Ms Maiketso said International Men’s Day would be commemorated in Salajwe on Friday followed a week later by the launch of the 16 days campaign in Gakhibana. ENDS