Gender-Based Violence has increasingly gained attention in our the world and our nation. Though it occurs to both males and females, we see more females subjected to this monster than males. This is mostly because of cultures, traditional beliefs, norms and social institutions, alcohol and substance abuse, poverty, etc. Violence against women is a persistent and universal problem occurring in every culture and social group. Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime – most often by someone she knows, including a member of her own family, an employer or a co-worker.

Gender-Based Violence is a violation of human rights. Over the years GBV has been growing rapidly in our nation. It is with great sadness to see that even though the government and the nation are fighting and standing against GBV, it is still on the rise to a point where Botswana is reported to be the second on the leader board of Gender-Based Violence in the world. A girl child and woman are no longer safe in a place where it should be habitation with peace and harmony.

It seems like there is no place of safety for females because they are abused everywhere (at home, school, work or even when going to the shops). It is sickening to know that even babies and people with disabilities are sexually abused by people who should be their protectors. Girls and women are living in constant fear because abuse is coming from within the home/relationship and outside the home. Some cases are not even reported due to threats and fear. In most cases, the relatives/family members know about the abuse but choose to turn a blind eye.

It is about time traditional beliefs, norms and social institutions, alcohol and substance abuse and issues surrounding poverty are seriously challenged especially when they impose gender roles and instill fear on women and girls. These are leading causes of GBV because perpetrators believe that they own women and that women and girls are their properties and must therefore submit to them and dance to their tunes. Enough is enough, it is about time the tunes start to change.

LET US UNITE AS A NATION AND STAND AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE. LET US FREELY SPEAK AGAINST GBV AND SHAME THE PERPETRATORS.