29 Aug 2024

Preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) calls for practical solutions that can leave a positive effect. 

 Speaking during the official opening of the Komowanko Life Coaching Centre in Rakops on Wednesday, First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi, therefore, noted that the centre would empower women  to  address issues of GBV. 

She indicated that the idea of the centre transpired following her first meeting with Bahumagadi in Rakops in 2021. 

During the meeting, the issue that appeared to be of concern was the escalating rate of GBV cases in the village, which she said was defeating government’s efforts to drive sustainable development goals. 

The First Lady said it was realised that a lot of women were economically dependent on their partners hence the  need for a centre that could empower them with life skills. 

The centre has programmes like sewing, culinary sessions and counselling services.  

Ms Masisi said the aim was to transform  lives and she further noted that her role was advocacy on such issues, adding, ‘failure to do so will deny other people an opportunity to benefit from such programmes’. 

She promised to solicit a vehicle for the centre. 

Ms Masisi encouraged members of Komowanko Social Club to install a WI-FI and establish an Internet café where the youth could access Internet services. She challenged members to ensure that life coaching centres spread to other villages. 

The First Lady indicated that the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) were witnesses to the fact that the programme had made a significant impact in the society. 

For her part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Mmamikie Kamanakao, said the objective was to build resilient economically empowered communities. 

She said Batswana no longer wanted food baskets but preferred to be empowered.  She said through her advocacy, Ms Masisi was delivering on the national social protection framework. 

Further, she indicated that the members of Komowanko Social Club would be paid Ipelegeng stipend, which was a short-term arrangement.  She said her Ministry would continue to train and equip the members with skills that would allow them to sustain their lives. 

For her part, the Deputy Chairperson of Komowanko Social Club, Ms MmaMosweu Kgagamedi said they did not have any source of funding when they started the club, but had to make ends meet with the membership fee of P5 per person. 

Ms Kgagamedi said after approaching the office of the Vice President for assistance, they were given two sewing machines through the Mac Foundation. Later on, they received a donation of P100 000 through OAFLAD, and Lucara donated a cheque worth P200 000. 

Ms Kgagamedi further stated that through the office of the District Commissioner, they given an old structure which they renovated to be habitable and now housed the centre. She said the centre had been divided in to three sections; sewing, culinary and counselling. 

She further requested that the centre be assisted with a vehicle. ENDS