Chombo was speaking on Saturday during an Anti-GBV walk and workshop organised by the UCCSA Trinity Church in Gaborone.
Addressing participants, Chombo passionately urged Batswana to act collectively to dismantle societal structures that enable abuse, highlighting the vital role of the church and faith in creating safer communities.
“Our feet have echoed the cries of the oppressed, our steps have symbolised our unwavering commitment to justice and our collective presence proclaims that enough is enough," she said.
Chombo stated that faith must move beyond personal devotion and inspire action towards justice and protection for the vulnerable. She commended the UCCSA for its holistic approach to nation-building, acknowledging the church's historical commitment through its ties to the London Missionary Society.
Drawing from scripture, the minister rooted her message in theology, referencing Ephesians 5:25 to challenge harmful gender norms. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” she quoted the verse, stating that violence against one’s partner is a betrayal of sacred Christian values.
She also referenced Genesis 1:27 and the concept of Imago Dei with the belief that all people are made in the image of God to reinforce the sacredness of every human being.
“To violate another person's dignity is to violate the very image of God. We are called to be stewards of God's creation reflecting his love and justice in our interactions,” she said.
Chombo further highlighted shalom, the Hebrew concept of peace and holistic well-being, noting that violence disrupts the harmony God desires for creation. She urged the Christian community to become active peacemakers, dismantling systems of oppression and violence.
Citing alarming national statistics, the minister painted a stark picture of GBV in Botswana, calling it a pandemic that threatens the very fabric of society.
“This isn't merely a social problem, it is a moral and spiritual crisis that demands our immediate and sustained attention," she said.
Chombo challenged deep-rooted cultural and patriarchal norms that perpetuate abuse, and called for the normalisation of speaking out against violence.
“We must challenge the silence that allows abuse to thrive. I call on you all to rise to the challenge with agape love which is a selfless, sacrificial, and transformative love modelled after Christ," she said.
She promised government support in restoring the dignity and worth of all people and committed to promoting education and awareness about GBV’s root causes.
The minister also underscored the importance of safe spaces for survivors, as well as youth empowerment as a long-term solution to shifting mindsets.
“We must equip our youth with tools to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality. I applaud the efforts of various organisations, including the National Gender Commission, Men and Boys for Health, the Botswana Gender Based Violence Centre, and the Botswana Police’s Gender and Child Protection Unit and pledge my ministry’s continued support and oversight," Chombo said.
She added, "As we walked this morning, we took steps towards a future where agape love reigns, where justice prevails, and where the image of God is honoured in every person. Let's not allow those steps to be in vain".
Sharing the same sentiments, Botswana Police Commissioner, Dinah Marathe said GBV is fuelled by deep-seated cultural and economic challenges.
"Patriarchal beliefs, economic hardships, and the abuse of substances have all contributed to an environment where violence, especially against women and children, has become a norm. Women and children are brutally murdered and raped by the people who are supposed to be their protectors," she said.
Marathe stated that families face immense pressures and many incidents of abuse remain unreported due to the stigma and fear that reigns in this shadow and preventable pandemic.
She said the increasing public awareness, sparked by media and community voices has brought these brutal realities to light.
"Yet, whilst legal reforms and public campaigns have been initiated, we must acknowledge that more work is needed at every level of the society, government, community, and individual to address the root causes of violence and provide better support systems for survivors," Marathe said.
The commissioner further promised that as Botswana Police Service they remain steadfast in their commitment to protect every member of society.
"As a law enforcement agency, we are obligated to expand our reach by establishing victim-friendly spaces for GBV victims with a view to ensuring that they are afforded the safety and confidentiality they deserve. We are also intentional in ensuring that GBV reports are attended to swiftly and that our services are accessible to all," she said.
Marathe further stated that as the service they consider the churches as critical partners in crime-prevention stating that the role of the church becomes even more vital, especially considering the current heightened violence associated with the commission of crime.
"The church is advantaged to advocate for policy change and influence the formulation of applicable legislation, including against GBV. The church is uniquely positioned to provide not only spiritual guidance but also practical support, education, and advocacy. By engaging congregants through sermons, workshops, and outreach programmes, the church can illuminate the root causes of GBV and foster a culture of love, respectful relationships, and mutual support," Marathe said.
