Feminist Alliance Botswana is calling for urgent and decisive action to combat the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. The organization’s plea comes after police statistics revealed that, on average, four women and girls were raped every day during the festive season. The figures, released by law enforcement agencies, paint a stark picture of the vulnerability faced by women and girls in Botswana, particularly during the festive period.
Between December 19th and January 2nd, a total of 60 women and girls were victims of rape. These numbers, representing a mere 15-day period, are a shocking reminder of the pervasiveness of gender-based violence in the country. In addition to the rapes, 19 women and girls were tragically killed, and 13 young girls were defiled, further underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action to protect vulnerable individuals from such horrific acts.
Feminist Alliance Botswana has condemned these statistics, describing them as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence faced by women and girls. The organization believes that these figures reflect systemic failures in protecting and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. They are calling for a nationwide response to address the root causes of GBV and provide better protection and justice for survivors.
The organization is calling on the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, along with the police, to take swift and effective action in addressing these crimes. They urge the relevant authorities to prioritize GBV cases, ensuring that investigations are conducted in a timely manner and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. This includes ensuring efficient prosecutions and securing convictions to send a clear message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated in Botswana.
Feminist Alliance Botswana is also advocating for more support for survivors of gender-based violence, including access to legal, medical, and psychological services. They believe that a coordinated effort between the government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations is essential to combating the growing crisis of gender-based violence.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of these horrific statistics, it is crucial that all sectors of society work together to create a safer environment for women and girls. Feminist Alliance Botswana’s call for stronger action serves as a timely reminder that gender-based violence is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a societal issue that requires collective effort and a shift in both attitudes and policies.
