Plans to establish a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) One-Stop Centre in Okavango District have been put on hold due to financial constraints, Council Chairperson, Gaopalelwe Ronald has revealed.
Delivering his address during the full council meeting earlier this week, Ronald lamented that council had been forced to suspend key gender-focused initiatives due to limited fiscal space. He noted that among the affected programmes are the Community Navigators Programme and the proposed GBV One-Stop Centre, which were expected to strengthen support systems for survivors of abuse.
He explained that the One-Stop Centre was intended to provide integrated services under one roof, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal guidance and police assistance. He said the model is widely recognised for improving survivor protection, ensuring coordinated case management and reducing the trauma associated with moving from one office to another.
Ronald further stated that Gender-Based Violence remains a serious concern in the district, mirroring national trends where cases of abuse against women and children continue to demand urgent attention. He emphasised that while council acknowledges the importance of the initiative, competing priorities and budgetary limitations have slowed its implementation.
He highlighted that in a vast and remote district such as Okavango, survivors often travel long distances between health facilities, police stations and social welfare offices to access help. He further noted that this fragmented approach can retraumatise victims and, in some cases, discourage reporting of incidents.
The Chairperson assured councillors that the suspension does not mean the project has been abandoned. He said council remains committed to reviving the initiative once funding becomes available and will continue engaging development partners and relevant stakeholders to mobilise resources.
Ronald also pointed out that council is currently supporting over 8,000 beneficiaries through various social welfare programmes, including destitute persons, orphans, vulnerable children, needy students and persons with disabilities. He noted that these commitments continue to exert pressure on the district’s limited financial resources.
He called for strengthened collaboration between government departments, civil society organisations and the private sector to ensure that critical protection services are safeguarded. The chairperson stressed that addressing GBV is both a social and moral responsibility that requires sustained effort.
Despite fiscal challenges, Ronald reaffirmed council’s resolve to prioritise the welfare and protection of vulnerable members of the community, stating that the fight against GBV remains an urgent and ongoing commitment.
