Gender Based Violence has been a hot topic for quite some time now, and it became even hotter with the surge of COVID-19.
On her address at the launch of the 2021 SADC Protocol on Gender and Development Barometer, Honourable Annah Mokgethi, Minister of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs said Botswana has not been spared on Gender Based Violence (GBV) which she termed as a “shadow pandemic”.
According to the Minister, cases of Gender Based Violence escalated with the rise of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), which was characterized by lockdowns and curfews. Mokgethi has revealed that in Botswana Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases increased by thirty-one percent (31%) since the beginning of COVID-19.
However, the Minister says her government took some measures in an effort to arrest this situation which saw past efforts being undermined. Below are the solutions brought about by the government of Botswana in response to the surge in Gender Based Violence cases;
- The Government of Botswana doubled the financial support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) providing shelter to survivors of Gender Based Violence. The Private Sector also partnered with some of the CSOs offering financial support and accommodation towards establishment of nine (9) shelters in addition to the existing two (2).
- First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, Mrs Neo Jane Masisi’s “Cycling Against Gender Based Violence” whereupon she partnered with City and Town Mayors. The initiative aimed at sensitising communities to shun and report all acts of GBV. Since September 2020, five (5) towns were covered.
- Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs engaged with Faith Based Organisations (FBO) on the effects of GBV during COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significant role of the FBO in the prevention and mitigation of the GBV scourge.
- Noting the urgency of addressing GBV cases, Botswana established Special Courts to speed up hearing of GBV cases. This is to relieve victims and survivors the ordeal of having to wait for long periods before their cases are heard.
- The establishment of Gender Based Response Inter-Ministerial Committee which consists of Cabinet Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations, Traditional Leaders, Faith Based Organisations and Academia. This Committee provides strategic guidance in addressing GBV.
- The Botswana Police Service introduced several initiatives such as establishment of the Gender and Child friendly Units, GBV Toll Free Line and Standard Operating Procedures for handling Gender Based Violence cases.
- To strengthen the legislation, Parliament adopted the Sexual Offenders Bill. The Bill provides for amongst others; stiffer penalties against offenders and the establishment of the Sex Offenders Registry, which will record names and particulars of all persons convicted of sexual offences.
This year’s SADC Protocol on Gender and Development Barometer was held under the theme; “#VoiceandChoice”, with campaign focus on Adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR), and a particular focus on: teenage pregnancies, child marriages and unsafe abortion.
