As Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains the country’s pervasive violation of human rights with women and girls being victims in the majority of cases, Feminist Alliance Botswana (FAB) has called for a comprehensive support for GBV survivors.
The association’s concern follows the country’s festive season statistics on GBV incidents by the police revealing that 60 women and girls were raped, 19 murdered, and 13 defiled from December 19, 2024 to January 2, 2025. FAB noted with concern that survivors of GBV require access to and well-resourced crisis centres, psycho-social support, and legal assistance to ensure they can rebuild their lives with dignity. “We are deeply troubled and outraged by the harrowing statistics released by the Botswana Police Service (BPS). These figures represent a grim reminder of the pervasive violence that women and girls in our society continue to face. This is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of lives lost, futures stolen, and communities broken. These numbers underscore a profound failure in protecting women and girls from violence, despite repeated calls for systemic reforms and stronger preventive measures,” reads an association’s media release.
FAB further called for the establishment of a dedicated funding for both Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and State agencies responsible for supporting survivors, with allocations clearly provisioned in the national budget. They argued that the festive season, a time traditionally associated with joy and togetherness, has instead become a period of fear and tragedy for too many women in Botswana. The association said this pattern of violence must be addressed as a national epidemic. “It is unacceptable that such heinous crimes continue with little accountability or effective intervention. As an organisation committed to gender justice, we demand urgent and sustained action to address this epidemic of violence. We call on the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services and the Botswana Police Service to prioritise cases of GBV, ensuring timely investigations, prosecutions, and convictions for perpetrators. Moreover, we call on the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs to produce a robust and actionable national framework to prevent gender-based violence, one that includes measurable targets and accountability mechanisms,” reads the media release. Furthermore, they argued that there must be coordinated public education campaigns to address the root causes of GBV including toxic masculinity, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities.
The association further called for solidarity pleading with the government, civil society organisations, the private sector, and every citizen to join forces in combating GBV. “We cannot stand by as women and girls in our communities when subjected to such atrocities. Change requires collective action, and it starts with every one of us acknowledging the gravity of this epidemic. These statistics refer to those that were reported and many (particularly vulnerable people, for example, people in the LGBTQI+ community, people living with disabilities and other minority groups) are likely to not have reported. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives and pledge our continued advocacy for a safer, more equitable Botswana,” further reads the media release.
Sharing the same sentiments on festive holidays GBV statistics, the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) said it was imperative to confront the disturbing statistics released by the police that indicate a troubling rise in GBV across the country. BONELA stated that the recorded 60 rape cases, 19 murders and 13 defilements serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to combat this pervasive issue “These are not just statistics, they represent human life, they embody individuals and future leaders, whose loss leaves an indelible void in the hearts of their loved ones and the very fabric of our society, a violation of human rights and a true barrier to achieving true equality and social progress. Despite numerous efforts to address this epidemic, the numbers remain unacceptably high, affecting women, children, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups, in this instance even children living with disability. This is unacceptable in no unequivocal terms,” reads BONELA statement.
BONELA further disclose to be condemning all forms of GBV recognising it as a severe violation of human rights that destabilises families and fractures communities. “It is evident that the time for mere symbolic gestures has concluded. This is a national crisis, and now it is the time for concrete action and meaningful change. We need bold, innovative and community-driven solutions to tackle the root causes of GBV, address systemic inequalities and ensure justice for survivors,” said BONELA. In light of these figures, BONELA called upon government officials, relevant ministries, civil society organizations, community leaders and citizens to unite in a concerted effort against GBV by strengthening grass root networks to create safe sp[aces for dialogue, education and advocacy against GBV. Moreover, BONELA called on the above to establish community-led initiative that empower individuals to speak out against GBV, ensure that there are programmes that facilitate economic empowerment, strengthen legal frameworks by advocating for stronger laws that protect victims of GBV and to adopt inclusive approaches by advocating for policies that protect all marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, days before the festive season commenced, Parliament rejected a motion that was tabled by the MP for Kgatleng West, Unity Dow. Dow had requested government to establish, as a matter of urgency, peace desks and assign officers at Magistrate Courts and police stations to facilitate and enable the use of Section 335 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act as a quick, effective and efficient procedure for the protection of victims of GBV. Then, Dow was concerned that almost every week there were reports of women being attacked by their significant others and while men are also attacked as well, women seem to be more on the receiving end hence more sensitisation is needed to tackle GBV.