Education
Source: Mwegi Online
The Saturday event was held at New Era college ground where eight teams and the community gathered to share information about GBV and other family related issues.
"90 minutes Against Gender Based Violence is a campaign which is part of our projects intended to strengthen women's rights through engaging men as leaders of change," said MH&GJ Executive Director Thatayotlhe Molefe.He said they wanted a platform where they could meet men and sensitise them on abuse and related issues.
Molefe added that they came up with this initiative after realising that most of the men met at football matches.
He said that MH&GJ had observed that most of the time men were sidelined when commemorating GBV activities.
"After realising that men were neglected when it came to GBV issues, we came up with events that would mobilise them. We realised that if we could host a football tournament, men would come in large numbers so that they can find some time to discuss GBV and issues affecting them.
He pointed out that it was unfair for men to be sidelined in GBV as research had shown that men were the perpetrators in these issues.
He pointed out that as a result, men had to be empowered with knowledge on the effects and impact of GBV cases in both women and children.
"Even though people think that only women and children are affected by GBV, men are also affected, you will find that in most cases, women insult men and other forms of emotional abuse.
"Even though men are most likely to bottle up their grievances, our organisation is there to let them open up and discuss issues affecting them. That is why men mostly seek to end their problems by committing suicide," he added.
Molefe also added that MH&GJ's main objective was to mobilise men and boys for active involvement in the prevention of GBV, promotion of Sexual Reproductive Health rights, gender equality, lobby for access to quality, timely and appropriate health care for men and women for the achievement of gender equality and health equity.
He added that men had poor health seeking behaviour especially relating to Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) diagnosis and management which increases their vulnerability.
He added that men do not routinely visit health facilities for screening of cancers of the reproductive system, as a result their cancers were mostly found very late.
"Ignorance on issues of midlife sexual health concerns which is also dictated by cultural beliefs puts males at a disadvantage. Ignorance of medical causes of sexual dysfunction and reliance on traditional medicine leaves men vulnerable and leading unsatisfying lives," he added.
The organisation is implementing a project supported by The American Embassy of Botswana, aimed at strengthening women's rights through engaging men as leaders of change in the fight to end violence against women and girls.
The overall outcome is to strengthen women's rights in addressing patriarchal, social and cultural gaps that prevent men from standing up and supporting women's rights through ending violence against women and girls.
The 90 Minutes AGBV football tournament is aimed at raising awareness to the male community in Botswana as well as lobbying for their commitment towards protecting women's rights through ending violence in the homes and communities they live in.