The Botswana Police Service has called on the people of the country, especially the male population to fight against Gender based violence. The Officer Commanding District No. 4 (Lobatse), Senior Superintendent Sarah Gabathusi, has urged men to be mentors and change agents
The officer has claimed that they can play a highly crucial role in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The Botswana Police Service male officers in Lobatse organized a GBV workshop on Tuesday.
Gabathusi attended the event and discussed the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV by engaging men in conversations to promote gender equality.
The workshop was organized in line with the 16 Days of Activism against GBV starting November 25 to December 10. The workshop focused on preventative measures and raising awareness on the benefits of an inclusive society.
The event was attended by male officers from all over the nation. The young officers were given the chance for safe expression and appreciation of the platform.
The Officer Commanding highlighted the Botswana Police Service’s (BPS) intervention strategies, including the production of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the handling of GBV cases by police officers.
She encouraged participants to form peer support groups and focus on mental and physical health to avoid depression and promote positive masculinity. Gabathusi observed that support groups create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and build emotional resilience.
Assistant District Commissioner for Lobatse, Kabelo Ntopo commended BPS for organising the event. He highlighted that such platforms allow men to confide in each other and seek support.
He encouraged men to respect their God-given responsibilities to lead and be responsible for all they are entrusted with by acting in an accepted manner. The Assistant District Commissioner further urged participants to speak out for their grievances to be heard and addressed.
The workshop, held under the theme: Promoging Men’s Mental Health for Positive Masculinity. The event was attended by facilitators from BONELA, BARP, DHMT Lobatse, NAHPA, BDF Rakhuna Men’s Sector, and Key Code Investment.