The Embassy of Japan in Botswana has handed over four newly constructed studio units to the Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Center (BGBVC), marking an important step towards strengthening protection and support services for survivors of gender-based violence. The new accommodation forms part of the Shelter Housing Expansion Project, which aims to increase access to safe shelter, privacy and essential support for vulnerable individuals and families. Delivered in collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, the project addresses the need for secure spaces where survivors can seek protection and begin rebuilding their lives. The handover reflects a shared commitment by the governments of Japan and Botswana to promoting human security, dignity and the well-being of people affected by violence. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between government institutions, international partners and civil society organizations in addressing gender-based violence and improving access to essential support services.
The four new studio units represent a significant addition to the shelter facilities managed by BGBVC. For people escaping abuse, access to safe and suitable accommodation can provide the first essential step towards stability and recovery. Survivors may need immediate protection from further harm, along with emotional support, privacy and time to consider their next steps in a secure environment. Safe shelter can help reduce exposure to ongoing violence while connecting individuals and families with relevant support services. By expanding its accommodation capacity, BGBVC is strengthening its ability to respond to the needs of people seeking protection and assistance in Botswana.
Speaking during the opening remarks, BGBVC Board Chairperson Dr. Khumoetsile Mapitse described the handover as a major milestone that offers survivors greater safety, dignity and hope as they work to rebuild their lives. She reflected on the organization’s development over the past 28 years and expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Japan, the Government of Botswana and private sector partners for their contributions. Her remarks highlighted the importance of ensuring that survivors have access to more than emergency protection. They also need an environment that supports healing, stability and the gradual restoration of independence. Dr. Mapitse emphasized that cooperation across different sectors remains essential to ensuring that people experiencing gender-based violence can find a secure foundation from which to move forward.
BGBVC has provided temporary shelter and protection services since 1998, giving the organization nearly three decades of experience in supporting people affected by gender-based violence. According to Chief Executive Officer Kabelo Poloko, the center operates two shelters, one in Gaborone and another in Francistown. Together, the facilities accommodate 33 people, with 18 places in Gaborone and 15 in Francistown. The Shelter Housing Expansion Project is intended to increase the capacity of the Gaborone shelter, which will be able to accommodate up to 30 people following the expansion. This additional space can help the organization respond to more requests for temporary accommodation while strengthening its ability to provide protection to people facing unsafe living conditions.
The need for secure shelter is an important part of the wider response to gender-based violence in Botswana. Survivors who leave abusive situations may face immediate housing challenges, financial uncertainty and concerns about their personal safety. These difficulties can make it harder to separate from an abusive environment or access professional assistance. Dedicated shelter facilities offer a protected place where people can begin addressing these challenges with support from relevant service providers. Expanding shelter accommodation can therefore strengthen the practical response to gender-based violence by helping survivors access safety while they consider longer-term arrangements.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Japan’s Ambassador to Botswana, His Excellency Shindo Yusuke, said the event marked the successful fulfilment of the grant contract signed on 23 October 2025. He described the new facilities as a practical expression of friendship, partnership and a shared commitment to human security. His remarks placed the safety, dignity and well-being of individuals at the center of development cooperation. The project demonstrates how international partnerships can support community-level needs through tangible improvements to essential services. By helping expand shelter capacity, Japan has contributed to an initiative focused on protecting vulnerable people and strengthening support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Ambassador Shindo also highlighted the project’s connection to a critical gap identified in Botswana’s National Gender-Based Violence Framework. Increasing the availability of safe havens can help address the need for secure accommodation and improve continuity of support for vulnerable communities. A shelter provides an immediate protective environment, while effective coordination with other service providers can help survivors access further assistance as their circumstances change. Such support may be particularly important for individuals and families who cannot safely return to their previous homes. The ambassador emphasized that meaningful partnerships must turn commitments into practical actions that protect people’s lives, reinforcing the importance of sustained investment in services that respond directly to human needs.
Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Honourable Lesego Chombo, welcomed the expansion and expressed gratitude for Japan’s support. She highlighted the importance of the new studio units in providing survivors with greater comfort, privacy and dignity during difficult periods in their lives. Suitable accommodation can make a meaningful difference to people who need to leave unsafe environments and seek assistance. The minister also commended the Embassy of Japan for its commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals in Botswana. Her remarks underscored the role of international cooperation in complementing national efforts to prevent gender-based violence and improve services for those affected.
Minister Chombo also drew attention to the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence, which supports coordination among government institutions, the private sector and civil society. Addressing gender-based violence requires cooperation because the needs of survivors often extend beyond immediate physical protection. Effective responses may involve housing support, psychosocial care, health services, legal assistance and measures that help people establish greater stability. Strong institutional coordination can help organizations clarify responsibilities, share relevant information appropriately and improve the delivery of support. The committee’s multi-sectoral approach reflects the understanding that preventing gender-based violence and protecting survivors require collective responsibility and effective institutional frameworks.
Psychosocial care is an important part of survivor support because the effects of gender-based violence can extend beyond physical harm. People affected by abuse may experience fear, distress, isolation or uncertainty about their future. Access to a safe environment and appropriate support can help survivors begin addressing these experiences at their own pace. Respect for privacy and personal choice is also essential, particularly when individuals are making difficult decisions about their safety and living arrangements. The expanded BGBVC shelter capacity strengthens the physical foundation for this work by providing additional accommodation within an established support service.
The handover also highlights the wider role of development partnerships in strengthening social protection services. Japan’s contribution, delivered in cooperation with Botswana’s Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs and BGBVC, shows how international support can help address specific gaps in essential community services. Government institutions provide policy direction and coordination, while specialist organizations contribute practical experience in assisting people affected by violence. Private sector partners and civil society organizations can also support these efforts by contributing resources, expertise and community connections. When these stakeholders work towards shared objectives, they can help strengthen the services available to vulnerable people and improve the overall response to gender-based violence.
Although additional accommodation is an important achievement, the long-term effectiveness of shelter services also depends on continued operational support. Facilities need appropriate maintenance, adequate staffing and reliable access to the resources required to protect residents and provide essential assistance. Clear procedures for safeguarding residents and maintaining confidentiality are also necessary to protect people who may face ongoing risks. Coordination with relevant public services can help survivors explore appropriate options beyond temporary accommodation. Continued attention to these needs will be important in ensuring that the new studio units contribute to sustained improvements in the support available to people affected by gender-based violence.
The handover of four new studio units to the Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Center marks a meaningful development in Botswana’s efforts to strengthen survivor protection and support services. Through the Shelter Housing Expansion Project, the Embassy of Japan has helped increase accommodation capacity while reinforcing a shared commitment to safety, dignity and human security. The initiative builds on BGBVC’s long-standing work since 1998 and supports broader national efforts to improve coordination in the prevention of gender-based violence. The contributions of the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, government institutions, international partners and other stakeholders demonstrate why a coordinated response remains essential. Continued investment in safe accommodation, psychosocial support and effective service delivery will be vital to ensuring that survivors have the protection and practical assistance they need to recover and rebuild their lives with greater security and confidence.
