Marobela farm hosts GBV awareness event

Pini Bothoko | Wednesday November 19, 2014 16:18

 

She said they will commemorate 16 days of activism  under the theme ‘Campaign Against Gender Based Violence’.

The national theme is ‘From peace in the home to peace in the world, let’s end violence against women and children with disabilities’.

Hinchliffe said the GBV education at the farm is in its second year. Last year, she said the event was a resounding success with backing from the UNFPA. Former USA Ambassador to Botswana, Michelle Gavin officiated at the event.

Hinchliffe said several well-known people and activists passionate about stopping gender-based violence graced the event.

“The guest speaker this year will be former Tatitown Customary Court president Margaret Mosojane, an advocate of gender issues. I am calling on all women in Marobela and surrounding areas to buy tickets and be part of the event,” she said.

Hinchliffe said that they recognise the need to contribute to the advancement of women, the girl-child and youth.

She said that the purpose of the event is to sensitise and create awareness among a critical mass of rural women, men and the youth on the types, causes and effects of gender-based violence.

The event is meant to give rural women an opportunity to open up on issues of gender-based violence and suggest ways in which it can be jointly combated.

Hinchliffe said the farm sees itself as a destination and venue of choice for events that promote awareness, positive change and collective action on issues of social development.

She said they are expecting close to 300 women from eight villages and hope that the event will make a change in their lives. She said that they are deeply concerned with the rise of cases of violence against women and children.

Hinchliffe said that they intend to highlight and sensitise people on sexual abuse issues and the need for information to reach individuals to make the issues reportable, teach about emotional abuse, effects of GBV and explore the link between culture and GBV. She disclosed that some companies have sponsored the event by buying tickets for their employees and called on more sponsors to sign up.