Teenage fathers need support too

Walk of Hope Foundation has expressed worry at the neglect of teenage fathers in communities.

Clackson Kasungo, the Chairperson of the organisation that provides psychosocial support to victims and perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) told at a talk show themed, 'A Makgela A Butswe - Let's Man Up and Break the Silence,' that teenage fathers experience challenges just as much as teenage mothers.

Therefore, he argued that both need to be given support. He has observed over time that many initiatives are only directed to help and support the girl child, leaving boys behind.

In his view, this imbalance contributes significantly to the reluctance of boys and men to get involved and come out concerning issues of GBV. It also creates a vicious cycle, as boys and men are known as perpetrators and repeat offenders of GBV.

Walk of Hope wishes to see more boys and men standing up against any temptations or seduction and fully involved in the fight against GBV. “By targeting heads of families, and boys, GBV preventative strategies can easily be implemented,” Kasungo said. Attorney Uyapo Ndadi said during the talk show that children in a family that experiences GBV get exposed to violence and eventually see it as the answer to conflicts. He said that some children become delinquent in school, as a result of the abuse they are subjected to in families.

Ndadi said stigmatising ex-convicts especially men, does not do any good, citing for example, that when such are rejected by potential employers, the rejection often leads to ex-prisoners committing the same crime again.

Gaborone University College Director, Dr. Anthony Joseph said GBV is a symptom of a sick society whose traditional structures that used to nurture, cushion, and mould character for both men and women, have died.

Joseph noted that there are no structures for stress management and dispute resolution because the old ones have collapsed hence it requires serious research and understanding to come up with comprehensive solutions.

He reiterated that in most instances, men are regarded as perpetrators and not victims and therefore may not receive the assistance and support they need when they are victims.

He said some men suffer emotional abuse, are meted with harsh and hostile language, denied conjugal rights, and even deprived of their right to have access to their children.

'It is in order that men are given space to air their views and experiences so that the society can have a full picture and understanding of the causes of GBV,' he said.