Introduction

Gender-based violence (GBV) in Botswana remains a major concern even though the government has prioritized the fight against it. From all these efforts, it’s a deeply rooted and pervasive issue, impacting millions of women, girls, and marginalized groups across the region.

The Escalating Crisis of Gender-Based Violence in Botswana

Gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, and femicide, remains alarmingly prevalent in Botswana. These incidents often escalate during times of crisis, such as economic instability, pandemics like COVID-19, and political unrest. Despite increased awareness, the rates of GBV continue to rise, threatening the safety and dignity of women and girls across the country.

Cultural Norms, Economic Dependency, and Legal Failures

Patriarchal cultural norms in Botswana play a significant role in sustaining GBV. Men are traditionally seen as dominant, while women are often treated as subordinate, sometimes even as property. This mindset, deeply rooted in society, fosters harmful attitudes and normalizes abuse. Economic dependency further traps many women in abusive relationships. Without financial independence, leaving an abuser is often not a viable option especially when children are involved. Although laws exist to protect victims, enforcement remains weak. Survivors face significant barriers to justice, including stigma, victim-blaming, and limited access to legal support. These challenges discourage reporting and embolden perpetrators. Moreover, societal tolerance of violence, such as corporal punishment in schools and capital punishment in the justice system, reinforces a culture that accepts violence as a means of control or justice.

Calls for National Action: Declaring GBV a State Emergency

Long-term solutions must include systemic reform and deep societal introspection. It is vital to ask: Why do so many men in Botswana beat and rape women? Factors like poverty, inequality, alcoholism, and frustration are part of the problem but not the full picture. Stakeholders are now calling for GBV to be declared a national emergency. On January 14, 2025, the National Gender Commission (NGC) held an emergency forum with over 100 representatives from civil society, the government, and the UN. Zia Choudhury, UN Resident Coordinator in Botswana, emphasized the need for decisive action, and the forum committed to implementing a 200-day response plan.

Conclusion

GBV in Botswana is a systemic, urgent crisis that affects every level of society. While policy frameworks exist, implementation gaps, social norms, and weak systems continue to put women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals at risk. True change will require combined efforts from government, communities, and individuals to build a safer, more equal society.