A United Nations Population Fund report has revealed depressing statistics on abuse of women in Botswana, citing that over 70% of them- more than double the world average, are victims.
The report also indicates that Botswana leads in rape cases with a 98.8% rate.
In the face of these disturbing statistics, the civil society and other organisations have been urged to lend a hand in the fight against gender based violence to create and promote a safe environment for all.
In response to this clarion call, De Beers Company and Business Botswana, in collaboration with the District Commissioner’s office in Francistown, this week demonstrated their support to Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre (BGBVC) by donating a cheque for P 100,000 and marimba musical instruments to Lephoi Centre for the Blind.
Speaking at the Centre on Tuesday, De Beers Senior Governance and Compliance Manager, Christopher Mokgware, stated that in 2022, during the Business Botswana biennial National Business Conference in Francistown, De Beers Group offered P150 000.00 to help the Francistown community as part of its commitment to the NBC, in accordance with its sustainability initiatives.
“Since 2022 October, Business Botswana and De Beers Group, in collaboration with the District Commissioner’s Office, have been working together in identifying the needs of the Francistown community, and have subsequently selected the Lephoi Centre for the Blind and The Botswana Gender Based Violence Centre as beneficiaries,” Mokgware said.
Lorato Moalosi, Director of the BGBVC, thanked BB Group and De Beers for their kind donation and assured them that it would go a long way towards assisting vulnerable women and children who seek sanctuary at their shelter.
“In May alone, nine women were killed by their spouses, demonstrating that we are still far from winning the battle against GBV. I therefore plead with you as you are here to be active in fighting this demon that we are facing. This contribution will assist us in carrying out our daily duty of ensuring that women, children, and even men who are victims of abuse receive the finest care possible,” Moalosi stated.
In his vote of appreciation, MP for Francistown West Ignatius Moswaane urged men to seek professional counselling when they have problems in their marriages in order to avoid GBV concerns.
“Business Botswana representatives, I beg you to talk to companies about making an exception for people living with disabilities when hiring, because it’s sad to see a disabled person competing for a job with a fully capable person,” Moswaane pleaded and added: “I challenge you to talk to private companies, and Hon. Mayor, you too should have a budget for these people.”
