GBV ignored – Survivor speaks out
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday October 27, 2025 11:37
In an interview with Mmegi this week, Gasha said GBV has become normalised in Botswana, with many victims and survivors suffering in silence.
Gasha added that the government's remarks on GBV have been criticised for shifting the blame to victims and survivors, rather than acknowledging the structural and complex social determinants of GBV. According to Gatsha, GBV is underpinned by power imbalances, upheld and prioritised by social systems such as cultural, religious, and gender norms.
'The government's lack of political will to address GBV is evident in its failure to declare GBV a national emergency. The government's priority is to protect the country's reputation rather than the lives of its citizens. The state's unwillingness to declare an emergency means that many Batswana, including men, who are abused are not worthy of the state's power and resources,' Gatsha said.
Furthermore, Gatsha called on the government to take concrete actions to address GBV, including strengthening comprehensive sex education, improving guidance and counseling infrastructure in schools, and legislating all forms of harassment in workplace environments.
Gasha emphasised that the government must also prioritise the rights and safety of all people, regardless of their background or identity. Gasha added that GBV was a human rights issue that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Gasha also said that the government must recognise the complexity of GBV and work to address the root causes of the problem. 'GBV is not an embarrassment. It is a human rights violation with the most insidious and dehumanising reserved for those who are different. The government must take responsibility for protecting its citizens and promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equality,' Gasha ended.