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The Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, has urged University of Botswana (UB) students to stand together and take a united stand against gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking at a GBV campaign seminar held under the theme “Rise Against Violence – Rise for Health” at the UB Library Auditorium on the 5th of March 2025, Dr Butale lamented that GBV remained a serious and widespread crisis in the country. He observed that addressing the issue required collective action and a shared commitment from all sectors of society.

He further advised the students to find innovative and creative solutions to address GBV within campus and in the community. He assured the Students Representative Council (SRC) of support in the fight against GBV.

UB Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Professor Richard Tabulawa, described gender-based violence (GBV) as one of the most serious human rights violations, lamenting that it remained prevalent on campus.

He urged students to take a stand against GBV and encouraged them to organise more awareness campaigns to sensitise the University Community and foster a culture of zero tolerance towards violence. Reflecting on the psychological impact of GBV survivors, Diaspora Exchange Botswana, Managing Director Dr Maude Dikobe noted that victims experienced depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, feeling worthless, self-isolation, decreased academic performance and risk of substance abuse.

Dr Dikobe further stated that forms of GBV included physical violence, sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, economic and cultural practices. She added that survivors of GBV should be supported with encouraging open dialogue within families and communities to provide emotional backing.

Furthermore, she said counselling services should be provided to the victims to process their experiences and rebuild self-esteem.  She said survivors should be empowered with skills- building and educational initiatives to promote independence and confidence.

Meanwhile, Botswana Nertwork on Ethics, Law and HIV- AIDS (BONELA), Chairperson, Mrs Njiramanda Mbewe, said emotional abuse was the most highly reported form of abuse in Botswana with over 92 – 94 percent in women while in man was 94 percent. She said Botswana had gender based violence laws designed to protect survivors from the abuser.