Botswana’s Vice President, Mr. Ndaba Gaolathe, has called for a collective and united national response to address gender-based violence (GBV), saying that the burden cannot rest on government shoulders alone. Speaking at the launch of the Tshepo le Bontle – Youth Against GBV programme, Mr. Gaolathe emphasized that lasting change requires the combined wisdom, compassion, and action of all sectors of society.
He highlighted that while government initiatives play a critical role, they are not enough. “The wisdom of elders, teachings at schools, compassion of the church, and the passion of the youth are all needed to end GBV,” he said. His message was clear: it takes a nation to heal and protect its own.
Addressing young people directly, Mr. Gaolathe urged them to rise and take the lead in the fight against GBV. “As young people, you have voices that shake silence, minds that can build empires and hearts that can heal a nation,” he said. He encouraged youth to leverage their education, entrepreneurial energy, and digital platforms to spark movements and build solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.
He also underscored the importance of innovation, calling on youth to “innovate with boldness” and to create change that truly reflects the values of equality and justice.
Mr. Gaolathe noted that the recent creation of the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs was a deliberate step toward prioritizing gender issues. He said the ministry will ensure that the fight against gender inequality receives the focused attention it deserves. This move follows a national outcry over the persistent gender inequalities that continue to hinder socio-economic development and the realization of human rights in Botswana.
“GBV is not just a statistic but a scar on the soul of a nation. Healing demands that we move as one — no more silos, no more silence and no more standing still,” Mr. Gaolathe declared.
The launch of Tshepo le Bontle marks a renewed effort to engage youth in advocacy, education, and direct action against GBV. The programme is expected to drive awareness and mobilize young people across Botswana to be agents of change in their communities.
Vice President Gaolathe’s call to action serves as a powerful reminder that GBV is a national issue — and one that requires courage, unity, and determination from every corner of society.
