UB Media Studies Students Lead Inclusive Campaign to Engage Men in the Fight Against GBV
University of Botswana (UB) Media Studies students are taking a bold step to challenge the underrepresentation of men in gender-based violence (GBV) activism through an inclusive advocacy campaign titled “Man to Man”, to be launched on the 9th of May 2025, at the UB Library Auditorium.
As a build-up to the initiative, the students, in collaboration with anti-GBV advocates, held a walk on the 30th of April 2025 in Gaborone West. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the many forms of GBV, its devastating effects and the importance of involving all genders in prevention efforts.
Speaking at the walk, third-year UB Media Studies student, Angelah Phuthego, stressed the need to engage both men and women in ending GBV. She noted that the marginal participation of men in past campaigns had created a gap in the collective effort to address gender violence.
“When men are left out of the conversation, it creates an imbalance in how GBV is tackled,” said Phuthego. “The initiative is about closing that gap. We want to foster a dialogue where men and boys see themselves as part of the solution.”
The “Man to Man” campaign is part of a broader university-based movement to address the alarming prevalence of GBV in Botswana. It aims to create an inclusive and action-driven platform that equips men to advocate for gender justice and challenge harmful norms.