Members of the Executive and the Legislature will this evening trade their suits for soccer strips in a football match organised to raise awareness against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
In the face of rising incidents of gender based violence, the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Development decided to bring together law makers and community members to have conversations around GBV while having fun in a more social set up.
The clash between Cabinet members and Members of Parliament that is scheduled for the National Stadium, will be followed by another fixture between Old-Naledi and G-West social clubs.
When updating the media in Gaborone last Wednesday, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said; “The intention of these games is to promote positive manhood and masculinity and highlight the critical role of men in GBV prevention. This initiative comes at a better time now, as the whole world including Botswana is battling with GBV hence these games will address gender inequalities,” he said.
The game that will be played under the theme ‘Kick the ball NOT a Woman’ will pit Cabinet- who will be playing under the name ‘A re chencheng’, against Parliament who will be using the name ‘Re mmogo’.
“‘A Re Chencheng’ means that it is time to stop unfruitful debates on GBV and change our views and perceptions towards addressing the root causes of GBV whereas ‘Re Mmogo’ on the other hand means that we are in solidarity to mitigate GBV,” disclosed Rakgare.
Rakgare further reiterated the significance of these upcoming matches. “It is important to note that each player possesses specific techniques and skills, hence the need for all of us to use our differing capabilities to prevent GBV.
Moreover, the following match between Old Naledi and G-West will be vital as each will have its own message.
Old Naledi will relay a message #Not In My Name while G-West will be #I’M AGAINST GBV.
In addition, all these messages are intended to alert the public that we all have a role to play in putting GBV to an end,” reiterated Rakgare.
Kick-off is 6pm today.
