Faced with an unrelenting rise in gender-based violence (GBV), the government has turned to civil society organisations (CSOs) for support calling for stronger collaboration and grassroots engagement to tackle the crisis.
In a high-level virtual meeting held last week, the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, engaged CSO representatives in what she described as a renewed national call to action against GBV and gender inequality. The session, opened by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Bridget Poppy John, underscored the state’s recognition of CSOs as essential partners in combating GBV, especially through advocacy, service delivery, and outreach in underserved areas. “We must ensure that our engagements go beyond urban spaces. This fight demands inclusive, community-driven solutions,” John said.
Minister Chombo reaffirmed the government’s appreciation of its long-standing collaboration with civil society and outlined several urgent policy developments. Chief among them is the ongoing review of the National Policy on Gender and Development and the GBV Strategy. CSOs have been invited to participate in technical working groups steering the reviews.
“Plans are in motion to introduce a Gender Equality Bill and a GBV Bill to strengthen the legal framework,” the Minister announced. She further revealed that Botswana had recently appeared before the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee in Geneva, showcasing its commitment to gender accountability.
Chombo also disclosed plans to develop a National Communication Strategy on Gender Equality that incorporates indigenous knowledge systems and is accessible to all citizens. Additionally, the Ministry is exploring the establishment of a Gender Equality Fund to support CSO-led initiatives, in collaboration with private sector and international partners. In alignment with Vision 2036 and the Beijing Platform for Action, the Minister invited dialogue on five key focus areas: Women’s Economic Empowerment, GBV, Male Engagement in Gender Equality, Women in Leadership, and CSO Funding Sustainability.
“Gender equality is not a side agenda; it is a national development priority,” Minister Chombo stressed. She pledged continued and regular engagements with CSOs to sustain momentum in gender reform efforts. Concluding the meeting, both government and CSO representatives acknowledged the need for continuous, inclusive dialogue to drive meaningful and lasting change. “Together, let us build a Botswana that is just, inclusive, and free from gender-based violence,” Chombo said.
