10 Mar 2025

Lawyer and founder of Mbewe Legal Practice, Ms Njiramanda Mbewe-Boatey, has taken it upon herself to educate the public on the Domestic Violence Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at protecting individuals from domestic abuse.
“The Domestic Violence Act, which was enacted to provide legal protection against all forms of domestic violence, has been hailed as a significant step toward creating safer homes and communities in Botswana,” she said during the University of Botswana gender-based violence (GBV) Campaign recently, emphasising the importance of understanding the Act and its implications for both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence.
“This Act is a cornerstone in the fight against domestic abuse, ensuring that those who experience violence in their homes can access legal support and protection.”
Attorney Mbewe-Boatey explained that the Act provided legal remedies for victims, including the issuance of protection orders, and mandates the establishment of specialised domestic violence courts.
She said the courts aimed to ensure that cases were handled efficiently and with the urgency they required.
The lawyer highlighted the broad scope of the Act, which addresses various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic violence.
“Domestic violence is not just physical; it can be emotional, psychological, and financial,” she emphasised.
“It is crucial for individuals to understand that the law is there to protect them, and there are mechanisms in place to ensure that justice is served.”
She also underscored the importance of early recognition of abuse and the need for victims to seek legal assistance as soon as possible to prevent further harm. Ms Mbewe-Boatey spoke of the critical role of the legal system in supporting victims, particularly through the provision of protection orders, which could be obtained quickly and without a lengthy court process.
Those orders, she explained, were designed to ensure the safety of the victim and are enforceable by law enforcement agencies.
In addition on the Domestic Violence Act, Ms Mbewe-Boatey also spoke about the role of the National Gender Commission in combating GBV.
She praised the commission for its efforts in advancing equality, women’s rights and the protection of marginalised groups.
“The National Gender Commission’s role is pivotal in addressing the root causes of GBV and ensuring that comprehensive support systems are in place,” she noted.
Speaking on the psychological impact of GBV, healing, resilience and pathways to recovery, Dr Maude Dikobe of UB highlighted the alarming statistics on GBV in Botswana.
“One third of all women in Botswana encounter GBV during their lives, and the majority of these incidents are perpetrated by intimate partners,” she revealed.
“However, only one out of nine women reports these incidents to authorities, with the majority of cases going unreported. This stark reality, she said, highlighted a significant gap in addressing the problem of GBV.”
Dr Dikobe called for the integration of GBV awareness into university curricula and regular seminars to keep the conversation alive and foster a culture of active engagement.
“Addressing GBV requires a collaborative effort based on empathy, cultural sensitivity and proactive support,” she said, further emphasising that it was essential to continue such discussions and work together to bring about meaningful change.
The session, organised by University of Botswana SRC, was a call to action and for all sectors of society to unite in the fight against gender-based violence. ENDS