Mrs Berset Visit to Child Friendly Centre

The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana Mrs Neo Jane Masisi and the Spouse of the President of the Swiss Confederation Mrs Muriel Zeender Berset paid a visit to the Child Friendly Centre of Botswana Police Service (BPS) in Gaborone yesterday (07/02/2023).

Speaking during the visit, Mrs Masisi said Botswana is committed to addressing Gender Based Violence in its all forms, stating that the establishment of the Centre by Botswana Police Service is an indication of such. She said the Centre was started as a pilot project in 2020 as part of the response to GBV which remains a national concern.

The First Lady praised BPS for being a focused law enforcement agency that has hugely contributed to her GBV awareness campaigns, stating that through those collaborative efforts they were able to reach 50 villages and addressed thousands of people. She further appreciated the BPS for the continued capacity building which empowers officers with the ability to decisively deal with GBV cases.

Mrs Masisi also appreciated UNICEF for being a key stakeholder in ensuring that the mandate of winning the fight against GBV is achieved as they continue to support BPS through training and provision of more Child Friendly Centres. She said through this partnership and others such as of the Japanese Embassy and SADC, BPS has managed to open five more Centres in Francistown, Gantsi, Letlhakane, Lobatse and Shakawe.

In her remarks, Mrs Berset thanked the First Lady, Mrs Neo Jane Masisi for her invitation to such a beneficial Community Facility as well as per passion in issues of GBV. She said the facility will go a long way in providing a safe space for children who have survived GBV, explaining that in other circumstances children succumb to such incidents.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr Phemelo Ramakorwane said addressing issues of GBV and child abuse cases remain a national priority as such BPS has reinforced its counter strategies and collaborative efforts to remain relevant to the situation.

He recognized the leadership of the First Lady in the fight against GBV, stating that it was through her stewardship that the Centre was established. He said this has led to the development of policies and procedures to guarantee the children’s safety. The Acting Commissioner also acknowledged Botswana’s partnership with the Swiss Confederation.

Mr Ramakorwane said the public has received the Centre with anticipation as demonstrated by 370 cases registered since inception.

The President of the Swiss Confederation and his spouse are in Botswana for a three-day state visit at the invitation of the His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.