Botswana’s Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture has officially launched the drafting process of the country’s first Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bill .
The groundbreaking legislation seeks to strengthen prevention, protection, care, and support mechanisms for survivors of GBV , marking a new era of accountability and gender justice in Botswana.
According to the Ministry, the Gender-Based Violence Bill will focus on four key pillars:
Prevention: Tackling the root causes of violence through public education, advocacy, and community awareness.
Protection: Strengthening legal frameworks and safety measures to safeguard survivors.
Care and Support: Expanding access to counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for victims.
Collaboration and Dialogue: Promoting nationwide consultations to ensure every voice helps shape the Bill.
A Turning Point in the Fight Against GBV
For years, women’s rights groups and advocates have called for a comprehensive legal framework to address the rising cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and harmful practices that continue to affect women and girls across the country.
The new GBV Bill responds to these urgent calls. It aims to close legal and policy gaps, improve access to justice, and ensure that survivors receive holistic care ,from psychosocial support to legal aid and shelter services.
The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs emphasized that this process will be consultative and inclusive, drawing on the voices of women, men, and youth across the country.
To kick off the drafting process, the Ministry engaged the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, aligning perspectives on gender priorities and ensuring political will at the highest level.
Public consultations will follow in the coming months, giving Batswana an opportunity to shape the content of this transformative law.
“This Bill is not just about punishment , it’s about prevention, protection, and dignity,” said Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs. “We are determined to build a Botswana where every woman, man, and child lives free from fear and violence.”
The GBV Bill is part of a larger gender reform agenda that includes the review of the Policy on Gender and Development and the creation of a new National Gender Strategy. The strategy will provide a clear roadmap for mainstreaming gender equality across all sectors — from education and health to labour and justice.
Together, these initiatives signal Botswana’s deepening commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Gender Equality, while strengthening the country’s social and legal frameworks for women’s empowerment.
The Ministry acknowledged the World Bank and other development partners for their technical and financial support in this process. Their collaboration reflects a shared vision of advancing gender equity and building safer communities for all.
“We thank our partners for standing with us as we move from policy to action. Our goal is clear , to make Botswana a model for gender-responsive governance in Africa,” Minister Chombo added.
A Call to Action
As Botswana takes this defining step, women’s rights activists across the region are watching with optimism. Once passed, the GBV Bill could become a regional benchmark , inspiring similar frameworks across Southern Africa.
The Ministry is calling on citizens to participate in consultations and contribute to shaping the Bill.
“Every voice matters,” the statement read. “Together, we can build a Botswana where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality.”
