14 Apr 2025

 Community and compassion will on May 3 at Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino, in a “Brunch with Doreen Oboetswe in the Fight Against GBV” event, meet to foster understanding and support against gender based violence (GBV).

Oboetswe, an advocate for women’s rights in her council constituency of Gaborone South, has established a foundation dedicated to GBV, which will on May 3 bring together community leaders, activists and survivors, corporate partners as well as citizens passionate about change to engage deeply on the issues of GBV.

To create a safe, empowering space where dialogue, education, and collective action can flourish, the GBV Brunch awareness event intentionally included men and boys in the conversations of the day as addressing GBV requires everyone’s involvement. It is often common and normal that efforts on GBV awareness are focused on empowering girls and women, however organisers recognise that sustainable change also depended on shaping the attitudes and behaviours of boys and young men.

“Raising boys with values that promote respect and equality is essential because it helps break the cycle of harmful gender norms and fosters a culture of mutual respect. This does not imply that girls are inherently raised with these values by default, nor does it suggest that they do not require the same guidance and support,” said Bambi-Elle, events director Bambi Motsomatshukudu in an interview.

She said society often placed a disproportionate burden on women and girls to “protect themselves” rather than addressing the root causes of violence, which often stem from societal expectations of masculinity and power dynamics. In addition, she said by proactively engaging boys in conversations about equality and respect, they were creating an environment where both men and women contribute to a culture free from violence and discrimination.

Themed ‘Creating Conducive Spaces to Confront Toxic Notions of Masculinity,’ the event will have expert speakers, panellists, and organisations bringing deep insight, lived experiences, and professional expertise to the conversations. Motsomatshukudu said speakers would talk to healing after abuse; a crucial topic that addresses the mental health challenges survivors face and the pathways to recovery. She also added that legal advocates would be part of a panel exploring the justice system’s role in protecting survivors, helping attendees understand both the strengths and the gaps in current legal frameworks.

With a themed dress code of pastel colors and pearls, she said the dress code theme was selectively chosen as it was accessible and inclusive, which centred on the message of the day. She said they opted for something stylish yet comfortable, encouraging self-expression while keeping the tone respectful and appropriate for a cause-driven event.

“Our focus is on participation and impact, not perfection," she said.

Oboetswe said her advocacy for GBV was to ensure that women and children as well as everyone affected were safe and protected within their communities. She said the brunch was not just about dialogue but action.

“To ensure that the solutions discussed lead to tangible change, we will document key takeaways and commitments from the session. These will be consolidated into a post-event report shared with stakeholders, including community leaders, policymakers, and relevant organisations,” she said.

Additionally, she said they aimed to establish follow-up mechanisms, such as check-in meetings, mentorship programs, and community-driven initiatives, to monitor the progress of these solutions over time. Collaboration with local organisations and advocacy groups, Oboetswe said would also help track implementation and assess impact.

“This event is designed to educate, inspire, and unite us in the fight against domestic violence, a pervasive issue that touches many lives across all backgrounds. And some GBV survivors will share their personal stories tied to the theme of resilience and reclaiming power, reminding us of the real people behind the statistics and why our work matters,” said Oboetswe.

She said each topic was intentionally chosen to ensure it does not only raise awareness, but also equiped attendees with knowledge, empathy, and tools to make a difference in their communities. Tickets for the Brunch with Doreen Oboetswe in the Fight Against GBV event are sold at P400 inclusive snacks and welcome drink as well as Nora Cosmetics face beat. ENDS