From December 19, 2024 to January 2, 2025, police in Botswana recorded 60 cases of rape, 19 cases of murder, and 13 cases of defilement. Authorities revealed that many of the women found lifeless were stabbed, often lying in pools of blood. These harrowing statistics highlight the persistent and severe issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, expressed deep concern over the prevalence of GBV in Botswana. Reflecting on her personal experiences and professional journey, Chombo acknowledged that GBV has long been a pervasive issue in the nation, significantly altering the lives of many individuals.
“We carried out a relationship study in 2018, and it showed that one-third of women in Botswana have encountered GBV,” Chombo stated. She also emphasised that even the President of Botswana has strongly affirmed the country’s stance against all forms of violence.
Chombo pointed out a particularly alarming trend: individuals harming or abusing children as a way to retaliate against their partners. She highlighted the intimate and personal nature of many GBV cases, making them deeply rooted in societal and familial relationships.
Previously, gender issues had not been prioritised in Botswana. However, Chombo noted that progress is being made. “The 2025-2026 budget will reflect the government’s recognition of GBV as a national emergency,” she explained.
Chombo emphasised that tackling GBV is not solely the responsibility of the government but requires collective action from every Motswana. She urged individuals to take personal responsibility and engage in conversations within their families and communities.
“Let everyone take part. Let all ask themselves what they are doing about GBV,” she said. She also called on parents to become more involved in their children’s lives, as such engagement can positively influence their upbringing and help curb GBV.
Thapelo Phutego, the Director of Gender Affairs Department, shared additional insights, revealing that the sex offenders registry is still under development by the Botswana Police Service. Phutego also noted that 93 percent of GBV victims and perpetrators grew up witnessing violence, underlining the intergenerational nature of the problem.
To address these issues, the government is engaging traditional leaders (“dikgosi”) and religious figures to start conversations about GBV and challenge the patriarchal norms that contribute to its persistence.
Chombo reiterated the need for a preventative approach to GBV. While government policies and initiatives play a crucial role, the minister emphasised that personal relationships and community engagement are equally powerful tools in fighting GBV.
“This is not just my responsibility as a minister,” Chombo asserted. “It is the duty of all people to ensure that Botswana is a safe and violence-free nation.”
The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, expressed deep concern over the prevalence of GBV in Botswana. Reflecting on her personal experiences and professional journey, Chombo acknowledged that GBV has long been a pervasive issue in the nation, significantly altering the lives of many individuals.
“We carried out a relationship study in 2018, and it showed that one-third of women in Botswana have encountered GBV,” Chombo stated. She also emphasised that even the President of Botswana has strongly affirmed the country’s stance against all forms of violence.
Chombo pointed out a particularly alarming trend: individuals harming or abusing children as a way to retaliate against their partners. She highlighted the intimate and personal nature of many GBV cases, making them deeply rooted in societal and familial relationships.
Previously, gender issues had not been prioritised in Botswana. However, Chombo noted that progress is being made. “The 2025-2026 budget will reflect the government’s recognition of GBV as a national emergency,” she explained.
Chombo emphasised that tackling GBV is not solely the responsibility of the government but requires collective action from every Motswana. She urged individuals to take personal responsibility and engage in conversations within their families and communities.
“Let everyone take part. Let all ask themselves what they are doing about GBV,” she said. She also called on parents to become more involved in their children’s lives, as such engagement can positively influence their upbringing and help curb GBV.
Thapelo Phutego, the Director of Gender Affairs Department, shared additional insights, revealing that the sex offenders registry is still under development by the Botswana Police Service. Phutego also noted that 93 percent of GBV victims and perpetrators grew up witnessing violence, underlining the intergenerational nature of the problem.
To address these issues, the government is engaging traditional leaders (“dikgosi”) and religious figures to start conversations about GBV and challenge the patriarchal norms that contribute to its persistence.
Chombo reiterated the need for a preventative approach to GBV. While government policies and initiatives play a crucial role, the minister emphasised that personal relationships and community engagement are equally powerful tools in fighting GBV.
“This is not just my responsibility as a minister,” Chombo asserted. “It is the duty of all people to ensure that Botswana is a safe and violence-free nation.”
