Botswana: Broadhurst Police Women Network of Botswana held a health awareness workshop to assist and support their male counterparts in Gaborone on the 25/11/2023.
The event was aimed at raising awareness on men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and mental health issues and supporting the campaign for the men’s health awareness month dubbed ‘Movember’.
While giving a word of encouragement, the Divisional Commander South Central, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bonnie Bareki, noted that the policing career is a demanding job which requires individuals to be physically and mentally fit, hence the need to take heed of their health.
Police Commissioner Bonnie Bareki encouraged male officers to be proactive in safe guarding their health by doing regular health tests for early detection and intervention.
For his part, Dr Kabo Mogome of Broadhurst Always Open Clinic pleaded with men, especially those who are 40 years and above, to conduct Prostate Cancer tests as they are the most affected. He further encouraged those with families diagnosed with Prostate Cancer to visit health facilities to take tests as the disease is genetic.
Meanwhile, the workshop was also meant to show solidarity during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV), as in most cases, men are perpetrators of GBV.
Speaking at the occasion, Broadhurst Police Station Commander, Superintendent Obusitswe Lokae, encouraged the attendants to support each other, regardless of their health and financial challenges. He said doing so will minimise GBV incidents and also promote healthy and stable relationships.
Botswana is standing against the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence as it is a key international moment to call for an end to violence against women and girls. It started in Botswana from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day.
In order to support this campaign, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 initiative calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls.