06 Nov 2023

Knowledge that traditional leaders have acquire from the high level meeting on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) will enhance their ability when executing their duties in future.

This was said by Ntlo ya Dikgosi chairperson, Kgosi Puso Gaborone, at the closing ceremony of a four-day meeting in Maun recently.

Kgosi Puso said the information would also assist dikgosi in their deliberations on key national issues.

He applauded the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health for capacitating Ntlo ya Dikgosi members on sexual reproductive health and rights issues following their request after the commencement of their collaboration at a recent meeting in Gaborone.

He said during the meeting, an officialof the Ministry of Health had emphasised the role of Dikgosi as strategic partners supporting their communities to reject harmful cultural practices and norms that impeded enjoying sexual reproductive health and rights.

Dikgosi were also taken through the status of sexual reproductive health and rights in the country as well as elaborate and informative presentations on various issues on the FP2030 Global Partnership and Draft.

“We acknowledged the importance of speaking about sexual reproductive health and rights issues in our communities and called for capacity building on the issues so that we can be well informed and openly talk about hence this very important meeting today,” he said.

Kgosi Puso said the meeting was fruitful and interactive because they learnt a lot on topics that ranged from sexual reproductive health and rights, family planning, sexual transmitted infections, gender based violence and advancing SRHR at community level.

“One of the roles of dikgosi is to promote the welfare of their respective communities which includes health and other sectors and information of SRHR issues place them in a better position to advocate SRHR issues and talk openly and confidently with their communities,” he added.

On behalf of dikgosi, he pledged their unwavering commitment and support to partner with the health ministry and UNFPA and called for continuous training on SRHR issues to remain relevant and informed on the ever emerging issues.

“I am happy that through the partnership, we have been able to develop an action plan and road map for SRHR advocacy and this will help a great deal in defining key priorities and in developing smart action plan,” he said. “We as national builders will indeed play a critical role to mobilise the communities towards the change we desire.”

Again, he said Dikgosi, as influencers, would be able to use their authority to drive the country towards achieving prosperity for all and realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He also called for harmonisation of laws in order to create a clear path for justice for the underprivileged sections of the society such as children, women and people living with disabilities.

He said Botswana had been engulfed by horrific violence against women and children. The barbaric acts went against nation’s custom and respect for human life, dignity and human rights.

He said he appreciated government’s efforts to declare crimes against women and children a priority, and established  special courts on gender-based violence.He appealed to dikgosi to support government in the fight against gender-based violence and crime to make the communities safer and that some priorities in the action plan that did not require funding be implemented without delay.

The four-day meeting aimed to raise awareness of respective dikgosi on the contemporary issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Ends