With over two-thirds of women experiencing abuse, this is not just a social ill, but a national crisis. The recent announcement by Minister Lesego Chombo that the government has begun drafting a dedicated Gender Based Violence Bill is, therefore, a welcome and crucial step forward. However, for this bill to be more than just words on paper, it demands the thorough and committed involvement of every Motswana and all stakeholders.
The proposed bill promises significant improvements, from tougher sentencing and better victim support to stronger safeguards for the vulnerable. These are commendable goals. But legislation written in isolation often fails in practice. The true test of this bill will be its ability to address the complex, real-life situations where GBV thrives. The distressing case of Pearl Montsho, who defended her abuser in court, is a stark reminder of this complexity. A strong law must be able to protect victims even when they are too traumatised or economically dependent to protect themselves.
