Communities in Botswana’s North East District recently came together in a powerful demonstration of unity and commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and crime. The North East District Gender Committee, in partnership with Domboshaba Lodge and the Baikopanyi Pantsola Association, organised a 7km awareness walk that brought together residents from Masunga, Vukwi and Kalakamati. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the growing impact of GBV, encourage meaningful conversations and inspire collective action to create safer communities. By involving people from different backgrounds, the event reinforced the message that preventing violence requires the participation of every member of society. The walk also highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders, government institutions, community organisations and law enforcement agencies in addressing one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
The awareness walk served as more than a physical activity, becoming a platform for education, dialogue and community engagement. Participants used the opportunity to reflect on the devastating effects of Gender-Based Violence on individuals, families and communities. Events of this nature help break the silence that often surrounds abuse by creating safe spaces where people can openly discuss difficult issues. They also encourage survivors to seek support while reminding communities that violence should never be accepted or ignored. Through public participation and visible solidarity, the organisers demonstrated that preventing GBV requires ongoing awareness campaigns alongside practical community action.
Before the walk began, Kgosi Maruje III of Masunga addressed participants and called on communities to reflect on the role that every individual plays in preventing Gender-Based Violence. He urged all stakeholders, including families, community leaders, government departments and civil society organisations, to work together in developing practical solutions that address the root causes of violence. His message emphasised that lasting change cannot be achieved through law enforcement alone but requires active participation from the entire community. Traditional leaders continue to play an important role in promoting peace, resolving conflicts and encouraging respectful relationships within their communities. By using their influence to speak against violence, they help strengthen community efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and promote social harmony.
Guest Speaker and District Gender Champion, Honourable Ketty Motsamai Tapson, reinforced this message by highlighting the significance of this year’s theme, “A re Itshekatsheke.” She explained that the theme challenges society to examine its own contribution to addressing Gender-Based Violence rather than placing responsibility on a single institution or group. Her remarks encouraged participants to reflect on personal attitudes, behaviours and community practices that may unintentionally contribute to the persistence of violence. She stressed that meaningful progress requires honesty, accountability and a willingness to challenge harmful beliefs and behaviours. The theme also reminds communities that every person has a responsibility to contribute towards creating safer and more respectful environments.
Honourable Tapson further identified several underlying factors that continue to fuel Gender-Based Violence in many communities. She pointed to gender inequality, harmful cultural practices, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, stigma and childhood exposure to violence as some of the major drivers of abuse. These interconnected social and economic challenges often create conditions that increase vulnerability and contribute to cycles of violence. Addressing GBV therefore requires comprehensive solutions that go beyond responding to incidents after they occur. Investment in education, economic empowerment, social support programmes and public awareness can help reduce many of the factors that contribute to violence.
The event also highlighted the important role that community organisations can play in promoting positive social change. Baikopanyi Pantsola Association President, Mr. Daniel Gabatlhokwe, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing peace while helping transform public perceptions of the Mapantsula culture. He challenged stereotypes that unfairly associate Mapantsula with criminal behaviour and instead demonstrated how cultural movements can become powerful platforms for promoting discipline, respect and community development. By participating in campaigns against Gender-Based Violence, the association is showing that cultural identity can be used to inspire positive action rather than reinforce negative stereotypes. Such involvement encourages greater youth participation in community-building initiatives and social responsibility.
Law enforcement agencies also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence during the event. Inspector Elias of the Botswana Police Service informed participants that cases involving rape, defilement, indecent assault, threats to kill and cyberbullying continue to be reported across the district. His remarks served as a reminder that GBV takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and digital abuse. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, cyberbullying and online harassment have emerged as growing concerns that require greater public awareness and stronger reporting mechanisms. The Botswana Police Service continues to work closely with communities and other stakeholders to improve prevention efforts while ensuring that victims receive appropriate protection and support.
Community partnerships remain one of the most effective ways to combat Gender-Based Violence because they combine the strengths of multiple sectors. Government departments, traditional leadership, police services, businesses, community organisations and ordinary citizens all have unique roles in preventing violence and supporting survivors. Awareness campaigns such as the North East District walk help strengthen these partnerships while encouraging greater community ownership of the issue. Public events also create opportunities for education, information sharing and collaboration that extend beyond a single day of activities. Sustained engagement ensures that anti-GBV messages continue reaching more people throughout the year.
Preventing Gender-Based Violence also requires changing attitudes within homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Parents, teachers and community leaders have an important responsibility to teach values of respect, equality and non-violence from an early age. Young people who grow up in supportive environments are more likely to develop healthy relationships and reject abusive behaviour. At the same time, communities must encourage survivors to report abuse without fear of stigma or discrimination. Creating supportive environments where victims can access justice, counselling and protection remains essential in breaking the cycle of violence.
The recent 7km walk organised by the North East District Gender Committee, Domboshaba Lodge and the Baikopanyi Pantsola Association demonstrated that communities are ready to stand together against Gender-Based Violence and crime. The participation of traditional leaders, government representatives, community organisations, law enforcement agencies and residents reflected a shared commitment to building safer and more inclusive communities. The messages delivered throughout the event emphasised that preventing violence requires collective responsibility, practical action and continued education. While significant challenges remain, initiatives such as this help strengthen public awareness and encourage greater community involvement in addressing the root causes of abuse. Together, every individual has a role to play in ending Gender-Based Violence and creating a society where everyone can live with dignity, safety and respect.
