Young Mothers Network calls for gender equality

Young Mothers donating clothes to toddlers PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Young Mothers donating clothes to toddlers PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Issues surrounding sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR), especially amongst adolescent girls, boys, and young women remain the least talked about or are given the least attention in Botswana. Therefore, they have been highly affected by unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV prevalence, writes Mmegi correspondent NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE

In Botswana, many girls and young women find themselves abandoned during pregnancy and after birth by their partners, left to raise their children alone. Due to poverty, young people find themselves in abusive relationships, dating sugar daddies where they have no say on issues about sexual intercourse. This has therefore put their lives at risk of contracting STIs, HIV, and even unwanted pregnancies.

This is why the Young Mothers Network saw it fit to respond to government’s request to all who wanted to make submissions on the review of the country’s Constitution. According to Thatayaone Makabanyane, Inspired Horizons Association (IHA) health and advocacy officer, they felt it was critical to identify relevant constitutional clauses that could be changed, as well as the governance implications. She said they believed in protecting people’s rights and maintenance of the balance of power.

Editor's Comment
Molepolole unrest: Urgent attention on missing person cases

From Jakoba's mysterious disappearance on November 9 to the grim discovery of his remains at Mosinki Lands, a gap in the response mechanisms of the police and village leadership has been laid bare. The community's anger is evident, seen in the attack on Bakang Masole, the man found driving Jakoba's taxi and the main suspect, and the subsequent riot. Residents express discontent, citing a troubling trend of missing persons cases often...

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