16 Jun 2025

United Nations (UN) has joined the nation in tackling  gender-based violence (GBV). 

The UN’s support was articulated during the launch of the National Week of Prayer Against GBV, held at Lentsweleatu on Friday under the theme: United in Prayer, Solidarity Against GBV!

At the event, Ms Tlangelani Shilubane-Pieterson, Head of Office at UNFPA Botswana, praised the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs for organising and leading the week of prayer. 

She emphasised that the event underscored the importance of collective prayer, spiritual reflection and community engagement in fostering nationwide action against all forms of GBV.

This initiative, she said aligned with the UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign, which advocated collective action to prevent and eliminate violence targeting women and girls

Ms Shilubane-Pieterson further commended Botswana for its commitment to adopting a human rights-based approach to the issue, which she said was consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“GBV is a violation of human rights,” she added.

Highlighting the local context, Ms Shilubane-Pieterson noted that many villages, including Lentsweleatu, had witnessed devastating acts of GBV. 

Citing statistics, she revealed that one in three women in Botswana experienced some form of violence.

“We are deeply concerned about the rising incidence of violence against women and children,” she said.

The UN official described the National Week of Prayer as a platform for national reflection and introspection, drawing inspiration from the biblical book of Isaiah 1:17, which calls for justice and righteousness: “Learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice.”

Ms Shilubane-Pieterson urged faith-based organisations and community leaders, referred to as Marara, to be tireless in leading the nation’s fight against GBV. She reaffirmed the UNFPA’s commitment to collaborate with the government, traditional leaders, civil society, faith groups, youth, and all stakeholders to eradicate GBV and realise a violence-free Botswana for everyone. ENDS