19 Oct 2026

The Embassy of Japan has handed over four newly constructed studio units to the  Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre (BGBVC) to strengthen capacity and provide hope for GBV suvivors.

The new accommodation forms part of the Shelter Housing Expansion Project, which aims to serve as a place of safety, dignity and provide hope for suvivors and their families whose lives are at risk.It is funded by Japn and was delivered in collaboration with  the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the University of Botswana Hotel on October 15, the youth and gender affairs minister, Ms Lesego Chombo said the new facilities would provide a more comfortable and private environment for survivors and their children while they received protection and support.

Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre (BGVSC) board chairperson, Dr Khumoetsile Mapitse said the centre previously accommodated 18 people in Gaborone and 12 in Francistown, giving it a combined capacity of 30. 

“The additional houses are expected to increase accommodation capacity, Dr Mapitse said, noting that the demand remained high, with the centre having recorded 185 clients in 2026 at the time of the presentation. 

He explained that survivors received temporary accommodation and were linked to medical assistance, counselling and legal support.

Dr Mapitse added that the centre had sometimes relied on rented houses when existing facilities could not accommodate everyone in need, increasing operational costs and raising concerns about survivors’ privacy and security.

The project was funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), under a grant contract worth US$84 942 (about P1 164 000 ) signed on October 23, 2025. Implementation began the same month and was completed July 24 this year, with the final audit report submitted to the Japanese Embassy.

Ambassador of Japan, Mr Shindo Yusuke said the facility responded to the need for safe accommodation identified in Botswana’s national GBV framework.Japan’s support to the centre dates back to 2012, when the embassy donated the building housing its existing shelter. Japan has also provided volunteer personnel through the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Programme. ENDS