Sanctuary Gathering to tackle GBV in churches
11 Sep 2026
The Dorcus Oboetswe Foundation will on Saturday host The Sanctuary Gathering at Botlhale English Medium School, with the initiative aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in churches.
Held under the theme: From Silence to Sanctuary, the gathering seeks to create a safe space for women and men to openly discuss abuse, trauma, poverty, pain and personal struggles.
The gathering is premised on the belief that churches should be safe spaces for worship, healing and support, rather than places where people experience abuse or violence.
The event, scheduled to start at 12 noon and run until late, will bring together patrons from different churches and communities for faith, prayer, honest conversations, healing and empowerment.
The gathering will be officiated by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Mr Nelson Ramaotwana.
Founder Dorcus Oboetswe said the initiative was informed by stories of people who continued to carry pain in silence.
“Through our community work, we have heard many stories of women and men carrying pain in silence,” she said.
She also said the gathering would provide a platform where people could be heard without judgement, find hope and experience healing.
Speakers and contributors include Rev. Jakoba Tshetlo, Festus Kiprono Rotich, Cathy and Priscilla Makafui Atsakpo, among other speakers from different ministries and faith communities.
"The gathering comes as the foundation seeks to encourage open conversations around GBV and challenge communities to protect survivors and create environments where victims can safely speak out," she said.
Attendees have been encouraged to wear white and tukwi, while men are expected to wear white shirts. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Taboka Ngwako
Location : Gaborone
Event : Interview
Date : 11 Sep 2026
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