24 Nov 2024

The National Gender and Child Protection Act has been described as a critical milestone in the journey towards a safer Botswana.

Speaking during 16 Days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) commemoration walk in Gaborone on Saturday, Assistant minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuthing said the piece of legislation represented government’s unwavering commitment to the dignity, safety and empowerment of women and children.

She said the significance of the Act rested in its capacity to create a legal, social and institutional framework aimed to prevent violence, protect survivors and accountability to ensure that survivors of GBV had access to justice, services and support.

Ms Mophuthing however said the legislation alone was not enough, urging all to act decisively to save lives, restore dignity and prevent further harm.

She further highlighted that GBV would be integrated in the health sector, saying the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme, soon to be introduced by the ministry of Health, would be another game-changer in the effort towards fighting GBV.

She said by providing universal access to healthcare, NHI would ensure that survivors of GBV received medical, psychological and rehabilitative support they needed.

“It will also address systemic vulnerabilities, empowering communities to build resilience and break cycles of violence.”

Ms Mophuthing said the event, held under the theme: Strong Voices, Safe Choices, called for unity for a cause that demanded the strength of collective voices and the resolve of shared choices and actions.

She reminded all that the power to create change rested within them, saying together they should declare unequivocally that, GBV had no place in their homes, their communities or their nation.

The assistant minister said it was upon everyone to expose injustice, demand accountability and inspire transformation, that a society where everyone felt safe and respected for generations to come could be built.

For her part, the chairperson of National Gender Commission, Ms Joy Phumaphi called for every department to have laws in programmes that directly address the urgent need to combat GBV.

The day that started with a walk also integrated entrepreneurship initiatives, to showcase efforts in combating GBV by addressing its root causes, from poverty to unequal access to healthcare. Ends