Eighth Batanani Walk to champion safer communities for children

Whilst the annual walk has become one of Botswana's best-known community initiatives over the past eight years, this year's campaign shines a light on the growing need to create safer environments where every child can live, learn, and thrive.

The urgency is clear. According to Botswana's Violence Against Children Survey (VACS), one in four girls aged 13 to 17 who have ever had sexual intercourse experienced unwanted sex during their sexual debut, whilst nearly one in 20 boys reported the same experience. These sobering figures reinforce the need for greater awareness, stronger protection systems, and collective action.