17 Aug 2026

Religious institutions play a vital role in shaping communities through spiritual guidance, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo has said.

Speaking at the wrap-up session of the second edition of the Men’s Conference hosted by the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana on Friday, Minister Chombo urged the clergy to partner with government in eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) by breaking the silence, fighting harmful social norms and providing support to survivors.

“Government continues to play a key role in providing systemic change by passing protective laws, funding support services such as shelters and hotlines, reforming justice systems, and shifting social norms through public education as an enabler towards fighting GBV.”

The minister encouraged members of the clergy to preach about the root causes of GBV and promote mutual respect from the pulpit through sermons and mentorship, while reaching out to perpetrators to help them change their habits and attitudes.

For is part Colonel Basil Catanzaro of Warriors of Christ Kingdom-USA noted that primary prevention was a critical step in addressing GBV before it occurred, as it addressed root causes such as gender inequality and harmful social norms.

He further outlined dismantling gender inequality, using a socio-ecological approach targeting individual behaviours, and promoting the economic and social empowerment of women as key prevention strategies, aptly captured by the idiom, ‘prevention is better than cure’.

According to Apostle Dr Andrew Sebata of Destiny House International Church, fatherlessness was a key contributor to GBV, as boys may be deprived of positive male role models who teach respect, emotional regulation and healthy masculinity.

“Without active guidance, abandoned young men may internalise destructive behaviors, increasing the risk of aggression, social alienation, and perpetrating violence against women.”

He further implored the clergy to foster safe spaces for men to open up and discuss issues relating to emotional distress as a way of building their emotional intelligence. 

“Men equate emotional suppression with strength while traditional scripts teach men that they should hold to decision-making power in relationships, fostering hostility when that perceived authority is challenged, ultimately fostering a violent environment.”

Dr Sebata further reiterated the role of the church in using scripture to provide divine strength and wisdom to believers facing challenges in life. ENDS