The Commissioner of Police, Dinah Marathe, has praised the outgoing United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Botswana, Dr Joan Matji, for her dedication to child welfare and the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Commissioner Marathe made the remarks during a courtesy call at the Police Headquarters on February 11, 2025, where she acknowledged Dr Matji’s significant contributions to the well-being of children in Botswana.
A Champion for Children’s Rights
Commissioner Marathe described Dr Matji as a passionate advocate for children’s rights, highlighting her role in the establishment of child-friendly centres across the country. With support from UNICEF and financial assistance from Japan, these centres provide safe spaces for children affected by abuse and GBV, offering them shelter, care, and legal assistance.
She further noted that the initiative started with no dedicated budget but, under Dr Matji’s leadership, UNICEF stepped in to support law enforcement officers with the necessary training to handle GBV cases effectively. These efforts have strengthened the Botswana Police Service’s (BPS) capacity to address crimes against children, reinforcing the importance of child protection in the country.
Declining GBV Cases Bring Hope
Commissioner Marathe expressed optimism about the progress made in reducing GBV cases in Botswana. While challenges remain, she noted that the country is witnessing a decline in such incidents, a positive sign that long-term solutions may be taking effect. She credited the strong collaboration between BPS and UNICEF as a key factor in this success, emphasizing that their partnership has evolved into a model of effective cooperation.
Dr Matji’s Leadership Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Dr Matji’s tenure in Botswana was marked by key achievements, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling GBV cases. These guidelines have helped law enforcement officials adopt a structured and victim-centered approach when addressing cases of abuse.
In her remarks, Dr Matji expressed gratitude for the strong working relationship between UNICEF and BPS. She emphasized the need for continued collaboration in addressing social ills affecting children and women, calling for a multi-sectoral approach that involves various stakeholders in the fight against GBV.
As Dr Matji concludes her tenure in Botswana, her contributions leave a lasting impact on the country’s child protection and law enforcement efforts. Her work has strengthened institutional frameworks, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care and support they need.
