This
is the message Rainbow Identity Association drew up (a nonprofit organization
(NGO) based in Gaborone, an association for transgender and intersex
individuals. They aim to challenge trans-phobic laws and trans-phobia in
Botswana) in theming their Sit Down Protests against Gender-Based Violence
(GBV). Because of the recent rise in
violence against women, children and LGBTI+ community in Botswana, Rainbow
Identity Association has become concerned and is contributing in the fight
against gender based violence by having organized this Sit Down Protest. The event is scheduled to take place on the
1st of September at Main mall by President Hotel open space in Gaborone under
the hashtag #wewantaction from 9AM.
Men and Boys for
Gender Equality (a gender for equality NGO), Bonela (an NGO committed to
integrating an ethical, legal and human rights approach into Botswana’s
response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic), Balwa Ntwa ( a reactive national total
shutdown feminist movement fighting against GBV), Awosh (transwomen feminist
movement), Sisonke (an NGO advocating for the rights of sex workers in
Botswana), Ditshwanelo (Ditshwanelo an advocacy organisation that plays a key
role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the Botswana Society.
However due to the indivisible nature of Human Rights, their work extends to
the regional and international levels. and other civil societies have also
expected to form part of the sit down protest and the rest of the community are
encouraged to support the sit down protest by attending the event. The above organisations have agreed to send
representatives to come and speak of how they have been engaging to fight against
gender based violence especially after the recent deaths of woman who were
brutally murdered by their partners. Minister Dorcus Makgato was expected to
attend the sit down as the initial plan was to hand her a petition demanding
action from the Ministry of Nationality Immigration and Gender affairs, but due
to her attending a march against Gender based violence by the Gender and
Justice entity on the same day she sent her regrets and suggested we find a
date she will be available to hand in the petition.
“We
have since saw it fit to continue with the sit down protest and discuss the petition
further with everyone who will be at the protest so as not to leave anything
out and not to leave anyone behind” said Phio Kenosi who is Rainbow Identity Community
Mobilizing officer. They went on to say that after the petition is handed to
Minister Makgato upon the response RIA will then share it with all the participants
of the protest and the entire community.
RIA
says enough is enough. With the help of the community and other civil societies
they are now taking control and demanding action because talking about GBV has
proven to be futile. In their interview today with Yarona FM news on the 1PM
news when asked what they wanted out of the protest they said that they want
laws to be put in place to protect the GBV victims and the Ministry of
Nationality Immigration and Gender Affairs making sure that those laws are
enhanced and law breakers put to justice. in recent years we have seen people
in our communities shielding the perpetrators and villainizing the victims,
much worse turning a blind eye and deaf ear to the cries and suffering of the
GBV victims today RIA says that if you turn a blind eye or deaf ear you are as
guilty as the perpetrator. It’s time for the community to stand together in
singling out this perpetrators and making sure they are brought to justice.
Skipper Mogapi RIA’s Director says “It is time we find the root cause of Gender
Based Violence if at all we are hoping to alleviate it, most times we believe
its anger even so where does this anger come from and how can it be dealt with”
RIA would like to
invite everyone to join them at the sit down protest that will commence at 9:00
am on the 1st of September 2018 in Main mall by the Cresta President
Hotel Open Space. They would like for the community to make protest signs
speaking against gender based violence and the solutions they would like
implemented against the situation. Please do join them for the protest, as the
community’s input is very important. Let’s
take action to end gender based violence.
Press statement by Urbenia Kgwarae
Rainbow identity Association Media and
Advocacy Officer
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