Botswana’s First Lady, Kaone Boko has encouraged the Maun community to actively take part in the fight against and eradication of gender-based violence.
Boko made her plea during the Women engagement session that was held at Maun Kgotla this week to commemorate International Women’s Day.
She has strongly condemned early child marriages, emphasising that education should be a top priority. She also raised a concern about the increasing cases of gender based violence nationwide which mostly involve women and children.
‘‘There are some parents who sexually exploit their children in exchange for money and other materials, this should be condemned,’’ she said.
Boko has indicated that the increasing numbers of gender based violence have posed fear to women and girls as such they are unable to express their feelings and emotions. She called upon different stakeholders to collaborate in eradicating gender based violence, indicating that combating gender-based violence is not a solo project.
Boko stated that the previous government had come up with different strategies to fight against gender-based violence but the cases keep on increasing. She noted that it was high time they come up with new strategies to fight gender-based violence and work together with communities to address its root cause.
The first lady has revealed that they have come up with a strategy which is meant to address the gender-based violence perpetrators.
She encouraged the parents to teach their boy child about dealing with gender based violence at an early age so that they can grow up responsibly and respect women. Boko has also urged men to seek guidance and psychological support when facing challenges.
Meanwhile, Batawana deputy paramount chief, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi has raised a concern about the increasing murder cases in North West District. She urged different stakeholders to work together to fight against gender-based violence and emphasised the importance of education campaigns in sensitising the communities.
