28 Nov 2024

Batswana have been implored to employ unconventional means of addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

Such include the use of animations, which have been described as unique yet powerful initiatives to communicate important messages on GBV response.

The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo thus urged all sectors to introspect and adopt unconventional interventions that would yield the desired results in the remaining five years to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

She was giving a keynote address during handover of nine animated films by the US President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to Botswana Television in Gaborone on Tuesday.

Thee informative and entertaining episodes of Eric Animations that highlight and promote awareness of GBV in the local context will air on the national broadcaster.

Ms Chombo said it was inevitable that GBV was no longer a phenomenon, ‘but a human threat that if not mitigated, may result in the extinction of the human race particularly women and girls.’ 

 “I believe we are fully aware that where one is perpetually abused and does not get redress, but gets a reproach for the abuse they suffered, this simply leads to an assassination of their mind, soul and spirit,” said Minister Chombo. 

She said GBV remained a concern for Botswana as its prevalence according to the 2018 National Relationship Study, was at 37 per cent and 21 per cent amongst females and males respectively. 

She hailed the use of animation as one such intervention to fight GBV, which she said would result in positive behavioural changes starting at household level. 

She noted that animations remained a powerful tool for storytelling across all ages, sex, gender, ethnic groups and communities especially where language could be a barrier. 

“It presents relatable content, breaking down complex situations into simple stories that all age groups could relate with,” she highlighted. 

She further said considering that GBV could be difficult to explain in words, animation could aid in depicting its manifestations such as, emotional and sexual abuse as well as physical violence and economic deprivation. 

Furthermore, she said animation could be used to provide hope and inspiration to survivors of GBV and empower the audience to take appropriate action to support them. 

Minister Chombo therefore called upon Batswana to embrace the concept of animation, saying it would assist them to be in sync with emotions, thoughts and the surrounding environment in a unique manner. 

She expressed appreciation to the US Embassy for strong collaboration and support in the various GBV interventions including HIV and AIDS prevention. 

She also hailed the artist behind the animated film, Mr Eric Ilaki of Eric Animations, saying the content would help Batswana to engage in difficult conversations that would enhance understanding of GBV. Ends