The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Hon. Lesego Chombo, virtually hosted a delegation from the Spotlight Initiative based in New York. The delegation, including Ms. Adamo Chiara, Ms. Stuart Esme, and Ms. Heran Ayele Teffera, shared the background of the global initiative and expressed commitment to supporting Botswana’s efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV).
Launched in 2017, the Spotlight Initiative is a joint United Nations and European Union partnership aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. Ms. Teffera highlighted the initiative’s impact in countries such as Zambia, Uganda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ecuador, noting that over 70 countries have expressed interest. Of the €500 million committed, half has been invested in Africa, with €283 million directed towards actions addressing GBV on the continent. The programme uses a comprehensive approach, combining knowledge exchange and management, and placing civil society at the centre of interventions.
Minister Chombo outlined Botswana’s national priorities, emphasizing ongoing work on GBV legislation. She highlighted programmes such as EntreprenHer, which empowers women in business, and shared her vision to increase women’s political participation and leadership. The Minister indicated readiness to develop a proposal aligning Botswana’s priorities with the Spotlight Initiative.
Permanent Secretary Ms. Bridget John called on the Initiative to support civil society organizations, stressing the need to combat harmful gender stereotypes and promote gender-sensitive journalism and media reporting on GBV.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Thapelo Phuthego noted that while Botswana has a national strategy addressing GBV covering prevention, care, and support, several elements remain unimplemented due to capacity constraints. She identified gaps including the absence of an information management system for real-time data and the need to strengthen capacity among frontline actors. She also highlighted Botswana’s growing focus on rehabilitation of ex-offenders, led by the Botswana Prisons Service.
The Spotlight Initiative delegation expressed willingness to support Botswana’s priorities, including enhancing women’s political participation and strengthening civil society advocacy. They assured the Ministry that the UN Country Team will coordinate expertise and mobilize additional donor support, emphasizing that the programme is fully funded and committed to working closely with Botswana.
The engagement underscores Botswana’s commitment to strengthening GBV response, empowering women, and fostering partnerships with international initiatives to achieve sustainable social change.
