26 Nov 2013

The violence, abuse, neglects and exploitation of women and children knows no boundaries and does not discriminate against social standing, class, race, gender, or geographical location.

Officiating at the launch of Tebogo Horatious Carter Foundation (THC) in Gaborone , chairperson of Mmakau Mining in South Africa, Mrs Bridgette Radebe, said women and children were subjected to different forms of violence, noting that many were aware of the scourge of cross border child and human trafficking at the hands of organised criminal syndicates.

Mrs Radebe, who was the first black female South African to venture into mining business, told the over 100 guests who graced the occasion that this was the most modern form of slavery which saw mostly young children and women displaced for purposes of exploitation such as sexual slavery and forced labour.

The University of Botswana (UB) graduate regretted that some victims were used for the purposes of extracting their organs or tissues, while others were forced to join armed forces as child soldiers.

Mrs Radebe said other forms of violence against women and children in the modern-day society included child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). She said closer to home, according to UNICEF, child marriage remained extremely common in eastern and southern Africa where 34 per cent of women aged 20-24 were married before their 18th birthday.

She further said UNICEF also reported that female genital mutilation was prevalent in various countries on the continent including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. In Somalia an estimated 98 per cent of women have undergone this practice.

Another form of violence has once again come under the spotlight in South Africa. She said although not new phenomenon, workplace harassment such as bullying, sexual harassment and intimidation is identified as one of the most rapidly increasing workplace problems throughout the world.

These cases were also prevalent in schools and, according to Mrs Radebe, toxic environments, whether in the workplace or schools, have a negative and destructive impact on the wellbeing of victims.

She said many nations across Africa had achieved major success over the years, in terms of protecting women and children against violence, abuse and exploitation. Many countries in eastern and southern Africa, for example, endorsed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

“UNICEF reports that most countries in eastern and southern Africa now have child friendly laws and policies in place. However only handful of countries in the region has enacted a comprehensive Children’s Act to bring national child protection laws in line with the CRC”.

She saluted Ret. Lt Gen. Tebogo Masire who is the founder of THC Foundation for his vision and dedication at establishing such a foundation which will advocate for the rights of women and children. She therefore pledged a check of P100 000 to this foundation.

Welcoming guests, the chairman of the foundation, General Masire, said it has been his desire to establish a foundation of this nature to focus on gender violence perpetrated on women and children.

General Masire said UN has identified Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and children as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. It impacts negatively on the economic contribution of women towards the achievement of MGDs.

He however said the fight against GBV required a multi-sectoral approach. Government must come up with comprehensive response plan that provides meaningful support and services to the victims and their family. From the time of reporting to rehabilitation of the victim, there should be care and respect.

Also the role of community leaders should be expanded to provide assistance and guidance and most importantly society should not play bystander role.

At the same occasion, Norilsk Nickel Botswana donated P50 000. Guests at the launch included ministers Mokgweetsi Masisi and Kitso Mokaila who is also member of the board of trustees. Other board members include Kago Mmopi and Mrs Orefitlhetse Masire. Ends