Addressing the Rising Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Crisis in Botswana

1.Botswana is currently grappling with a concerning rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as evidenced by the alarming increase in reported cases across the nation. Recent data highlights a significant uptick in incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse, which are severely affecting individuals, families, and communities. Both the Botswana Police Service and health services have noted a considerable surge in GBV-related cases, and this issue remains a significant barrier to the country’s social and economic progress.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, with intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and early child marriages contributing heavily to the growing statistics. However, men and boys also experience GBV, although these cases often go underreported due to societal stigma and prevailing attitudes. Despite ongoing efforts from the government and various stakeholders, the current response has been insufficient in effectively addressing the crisis. This underscores the urgent need for innovative, comprehensive, and sustained interventions.

2. Rationale for BONELA’s Response

As an organization dedicated to health and human rights, BONELA plays a pivotal role in addressing the GBV crisis in Botswana. Operating at the community level, BONELA provides both direct services and advocacy to tackle the root causes of GBV, support survivors, and enhance accountability mechanisms within society. A holistic approach, grounded in the intersection of health and human rights, is essential to effectively combat GBV.
Botswana’s health systems are burdened by the direct and indirect impacts of GBV. Survivors frequently experience physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, leading to long-term health challenges. Furthermore, the absence of a coordinated, community-based approach has left many survivors without the necessary care or support.

3. Objectives

This concept note outlines a targeted response to the rising GBV statistics in Botswana, led by BONELA and other civil society organizations. The primary objective is to strengthen community-based interventions aimed at preventing and responding to GBV, with a focus on the following:
• Increasing awareness and education on the impact of GBV on health and human rights.
• Providing accessible and comprehensive health and psychosocial support services for GBV survivors.
• Advocating for stronger legal frameworks and policy enforcement related to GBV.
• Engaging community leaders and stakeholders to shift attitudes and norms that perpetuate violence.
• Building a supportive network for survivors, incorporating legal, medical, and social services.
• Establishing a GBV Task Team led by BONELA, comprising NGOs, to advise, monitor, and ensure the implementation of suggested activities.
• Actively lobbying for political will through direct engagement with the Ministry and the Office of the President (OP).

4. Proposed Actions/Interventions

• Community Awareness Campaigns
Launch community outreach initiatives that educate citizens on the various forms and consequences of GBV, available resources, and the importance of reporting incidents. These campaigns will utilize multiple media platforms, community workshops, and local leaders to reach a broad audience.
• Strengthening and Upscaling Safe Spaces
Collaborate with local safe spaces or shelters, such as WAR, to provide support services including rent, food baskets, robust security, and psychological and administrative funding through the NAHPA Programme.
• Legal Advocacy and Support
Offer free legal services to survivors of GBV, assisting them in navigating the legal system, accessing justice, and advocating for stronger laws and enforcement related to GBV.
• Capacity Building for Community Leaders
Organize workshops and training sessions for community leaders, traditional authorities, and local officials to address cultural and societal attitudes that condone or normalize GBV. These leaders will be empowered to challenge harmful gender norms and actively support survivors.
• Establish a CSO-GBV Task Force
Form a task force composed of key civil society organizations working directly in the GBV response. This team will serve as an advisory body, ensuring the effective implementation of the concept, providing data to inform a collective response to GBV, and representing civil society in strategic meetings with the OP and the Ministry of Youth and Gender (drawing on benchmarks from the Constitution Review process).
• Lobbying for Political Will
The task team will develop strong recommendations to secure political support, including drafting a letter to the Office of the President outlining GBV advocacy requests. The task force will organize a media or press conference to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing GBV and will engage with other government bodies, such as the Gender Commission, to expedite the response process. Successful implementation will culminate in a press statement from the OP/Ministry, underscoring the coordinated national effort to end GBV.
• Data Collection and Research
Conduct research to better understand the scope of GBV in Botswana and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing interventions. Data collection will inform policy recommendations and improve the design of future programs.

5. Expected Outcomes

• Reduced Incidence of GBV: Through education and community engagement, BONELA expects a reduction in reported GBV cases.
• Improved Support for Survivors: By enhancing access to medical, psychosocial, and legal services, BONELA aims to ensure that more survivors receive the care and justice they deserve.
• Strengthened Legal and Policy Frameworks: Advocacy efforts will contribute to the establishment of a more robust legal and policy environment that addresses GBV and holds perpetrators accountable.
• Community Behavioral Change: Shifting societal attitudes toward GBV, particularly through the involvement of community leaders, will foster more supportive and safer environments for women, men, and children.
• Political Will: Garnering government support and collaborating with the state in the GBV response.

6. Budget and Funding Needs
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7. BONELA’s Role

BONELA will take a leadership role in convening the first set of meetings and establishing a clear agenda for collaboration with other civil society organizations. BONELA will also lead national awareness campaigns and provide essential resources to partner organizations and stakeholders. Through its extensive networks, BONELA will partner with local media, religious groups, and other influential community entities to disseminate key messages about GBV and implement the proposed interventions.
This proposal seeks to create a holistic, coordinated response to GBV in Botswana, ensuring that interventions are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

8.KEY PARTNERS

• Men Engage
• BGBVC
• BONEPWA
• SISONKE
• SUCCESS CAPITAL
• FOD
• WAR
• LEGABIBO
• BOCHAIP
• BOFABONETHA