The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (MYGA) has officially welcomed Mr. Kabelo Poloko as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Care Centre (BGBVC), marking the beginning of a new chapter in the organization’s efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. His appointment was announced by BGBVC Board Chair, Dr. Khumoetsile Mapitsi, who described the leadership transition as one that represents continuity while bringing renewed energy and focus to the Centre’s important work. The appointment comes at a time when the fight against gender-based violence remains a national priority that requires coordinated action from government, civil society and development partners. Strong leadership is essential to strengthening prevention programmes, improving survivor support services and expanding community awareness initiatives. With Mr. Poloko at the helm, the Centre is expected to build on its existing achievements while pursuing new opportunities to enhance its impact across Botswana.
The Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Care Centre plays a critical role in supporting the country’s response to gender-based violence. As the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs’ only partner-supported centre, BGBVC provides a range of essential services focused on prevention, protection and survivor care. These services are designed to support individuals affected by gender-based violence while promoting safer communities through education and advocacy. The Centre works closely with government institutions, community organizations and development partners to strengthen coordinated responses to gender-based violence. This collaborative approach helps ensure that survivors receive comprehensive support while communities become more informed about prevention and available support services.
BGBVC currently operates centres in Gaborone, Francistown and Ghanzi, allowing it to extend its services to different parts of the country. The organization’s expanding presence reflects its commitment to increasing access to quality care and support for survivors regardless of their location. As more communities gain access to the Centre’s services, opportunities also grow for raising awareness about gender-based violence and encouraging early intervention. Expanding service delivery helps reduce barriers that survivors may face when seeking assistance, including distance and limited access to specialized support. Under the new leadership, the organization aims to continue broadening its reach while improving the quality and effectiveness of the services it provides.
The appointment of Mr. Poloko also signals a renewed focus on strengthening community support systems and enhancing the Centre’s overall impact. Gender-based violence affects individuals, families and entire communities, making comprehensive and community-driven responses essential. By working closely with local stakeholders, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies and social service professionals, the Centre can strengthen referral systems and improve outcomes for survivors. Community engagement also plays a key role in preventing violence by promoting awareness, challenging harmful social norms and encouraging reporting of abuse. These efforts contribute to creating safer environments where survivors feel supported and protected.
During the official engagement, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary for Gender Affairs, Ms. Onneetse Makhumalo, welcomed Mr. Poloko to his new position and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with the Centre. She described the meeting as an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and ensure continued alignment between the Ministry and BGBVC. According to Ms. Makhumalo, leadership transitions provide valuable moments for organizations to reflect on past achievements while identifying areas for improvement and future growth. She emphasized the importance of reviewing progress, clarifying shared priorities and maintaining strong coordination to effectively deliver on their common mandate. Her remarks highlighted the significance of collaboration in achieving meaningful and lasting progress in addressing gender-based violence.
Strong partnerships remain central to the success of programmes aimed at preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. Government institutions provide policy direction and strategic leadership, while organizations such as BGBVC deliver specialized services that directly benefit communities. Development partners, civil society organizations and community leaders also contribute valuable expertise and resources that strengthen the national response. Through coordinated action, these stakeholders can improve prevention initiatives, enhance survivor support services and increase public awareness about the importance of ending gender-based violence. Continued collaboration ensures that resources are used effectively while maximizing the positive impact of interventions across Botswana.
Leadership plays a vital role in shaping the future direction of organizations that provide essential social services. A clear vision, strong governance and effective stakeholder engagement enable organizations to respond more efficiently to evolving community needs. Under Mr. Poloko’s leadership, BGBVC will have the opportunity to strengthen existing programmes while exploring innovative approaches that improve service delivery and expand community outreach. Building institutional capacity, supporting staff development and fostering stronger partnerships will also contribute to the Centre’s long-term sustainability. These efforts are essential for ensuring that survivors continue receiving high-quality care while prevention initiatives reach even more communities.
The appointment of Mr. Kabelo Poloko as Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Care Centre marks an important milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors across Botswana. The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Centre as it continues expanding services and strengthening community support systems. Remarks from Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Onneetse Makhumalo underscored the importance of collaboration, shared priorities and coordinated action in achieving lasting results. With centres in Gaborone, Francistown and Ghanzi, BGBVC is well positioned to extend its impact while improving access to essential prevention and care services. As the Centre enters this new phase of leadership, continued partnership, innovation and commitment will remain key to building safer communities and providing hope, protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence throughout Botswana.
