
Despite efforts by Botswana’s authorities to tackle gender-based violence, nearly 100 women were raped and 10 were murdered in December last year, 2024, officials have reported on Wednesday January 15.
Botswana Police Service Commissioner Dinah Marathe confirmed that 10 of the 25 murders recorded between December 19 and January 2 were linked to gender-based violence. Additionally, 93 rapes were reported during this period, with 61% of all recorded crimes connected to gender-based violence.
Marathe stated that the figures reflect a wider culture of violence within the nation. Although the government introduced new laws last year, including specialised courts for gender-based violence cases and a sex offender registry, the violence persists.
Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, called for a preventative approach, urging a cultural shift towards promoting mental health and gender equality in both personal and professional settings.
However, local advocacy group Feminists Alliance Botswana criticised the government for not doing enough to combat the issue. Spokeswoman Thembiso Nhlekisana said the figures highlighted a systemic failure to protect women and girls, emphasising the need for swift prosecution and harsher penalties for perpetrators.
A 2023 World Bank report revealed that over 42% of women in East and Southern Africa experience physical and sexual violence in their lifetime.