04 Dec 2023

Multi-sectoral approach is critical to address the global crime of violence against women and children, different stakeholders have been urged.

Giving a key note address during Gender Based Violence (GBV) event in Kanye on Friday, under the theme: ‘Unite to end Gender Based Violence on Women and Children’, Officer Commanding South No.14 District, Senior Supt Baneetse Keakile, said the day was meant for Kanye community to put their differences aside and work together on tackling GBV.

Some of the cultural norms and contemporary believes, he said, perpetuated GBV, adding that society could not stand on the sidelines and watch others denied the right to life, health and wellbeing as well as freedom of association by those they were supposed to trust and live with.

He said a multi-sectoral approach to alleviating GBV was pivotal, noting that community strategy should therefore look specifically at prevention, protection, care and support for survivors.

Senior Supt Keakile underscored that GBV was a serious crime, hence government adopted the Sexual Offender Registry Act, noting that it allowed for registration of persons convicted of sex offences.

“In addition, special courts were established to speed up the hearing of GBV cases, of which 29.9 percent have been concluded,” he added.

To enhance reporting, he said Botswana Police Service established the Gender and Child Protection branch, as well as a toll free line operated by qualified officers for reporting GBV cases.

To strengthen access to justice, Mr Keakile said, Legal Aid Botswana had started, ‘Mmueledi Wame’ a television programme aimed at providing legal literacy.

He urged the community to acquire wealth of information available, so that all could identify and report GBV.

For his part, Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, South Region District Coordinator, Mr Moeti Godisamang, highlighted that due high cases of GBV worldwide, a decision was taken to host GBV awareness event annually.

He said the objective was to bring all stakeholders together, in an effort to come up with ways of fighting GBV and to spread awareness messages about GBV. Mr Godisamang said GBV cases kept on increasing, hence the need for all to take it upon themselves to stop such violence.

He highlighted that government could not win the fight alone, noting that community participation was therefore vital.

Specially elected councillor, Pona Tsimako, thanked those who graced the event and urged them to continue supporting the fight against GBV.

The event, organised by MYSC started with two races, ten and five kilometre races and the winners were awarded medals. Ends