27 Nov 2013

Gender based violence (GBV) has been identified as a major problem in most schools.

Mr Kabelo Mahupe, an official from Botswana Secondary Teachers Union (BOSETU) recently stated that sexual harassment was becoming a serious problem in schools. He said some superiors abused their juniors by demanding sexual favours in return for progression.

“Most schools also experience escalating incidents of incest. The perpetrators are usually family members like uncles and even fathers. But there is little that teachers can do because in most cases the families protect the perpetrators,” he said.

Mr Mahupe was speaking at a panel discussion organised by Women Against Rape (WAR) to mark the start of 16 days of activism against gender based violence in Maun.

One of the panellists, Mr Moatlhodi Phetogo from the Department of Youth, said violence in society was a result of violence in the family and urged parents to bring their children up in peaceful environments. He said his office had discovered that out of school youth and those who came from unstable families were usually involved in gender-based violence.

“Some of the factors that perpetuate violence and abuse among young people are alcohol abuse and lack of resources. We need to come up with a comprehensive response plan that provides meaningful support and services to the victims and their families,” he said.

Another speaker, Pastor Bolokang Motsamai, said gender based violence also occurred in churches, where pastors got into love affairs within the congregation. He said the church played a major role by instilling the principle of botho and teaching Batswana about the importance of good morals.

Ms Peggy Ramaphane, an official from WAR, said they organised the panel discussion to share ideas and experiences and also map the way forward in the fight against gender based violence. WAR is a non-profit making organisation that addresses all types of abuse such as rape, defilement, incest, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and marital problems.

It was founded in 1993 by four women who came together after realising that rape victims were often denied justice. Ends