Botswana Opens One-Stop Centers for Violence Survivors

Survivors of gender-based violence in Botswana will soon find help, healing, and justice under one roof.

The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs is establishing One-Stop Service Centres across the country, bringing together medical professionals, legal experts, counselors, and psychosocial support staff in single locations. Minister Lesego Chombo announced the initiative while presenting the ministry's budget for 2026/27, calling it a crucial shift toward survivor-centered care.

The centers address a critical gap between reporting violence and actually receiving help. Previously, survivors had to navigate multiple agencies and locations to access different services, often while dealing with trauma and fear.

"This model ensures that survivors do not navigate a fragmented system alone," Minister Chombo explained during her budget presentation in Gaborone on Monday. The coordinated approach represents a nationwide commitment to supporting those who have experienced violence.

The ministry is also tackling root causes by focusing on women's economic empowerment. Through programs like EntreprenHER and a new partnership with Stanbic Bank, the government aims to give women greater financial independence and decision-making power.

The bank partnership specifically targets financial barriers that keep women from starting and sustaining businesses. By removing these obstacles and providing dedicated business development support, the initiative addresses the link between economic vulnerability and violence.

The Ripple Effect

The centers represent more than crisis response. They signal a comprehensive reimagining of how Botswana supports all its citizens.

The ministry is expanding its mandate to include programming for men, recognizing that gender equality requires inclusive approaches. While no dedicated budget exists for this work in the current year, provisions will be made in 2026/27.

Additional reforms include advancing GBV legislation, revitalizing the Inter-ministerial Committee on GBV, and strengthening the National Gender Commission. Gender-responsive budgeting will be embedded across all government sectors.

For youth, the ministry outlined plans for a Revised Youth Policy and a new Youth Employment Strategy. The Youth Development Fund is being remodeled to improve sustainability, automation, governance, and accountability while providing mentorship and market access for young entrepreneurs.

Minister Chombo requested over 686 million Pula for the recurrent budget and 5 million Pula for development in 2026/27 to fund these initiatives.

Botswana is proving that protecting survivors and preventing violence requires more than good intentions—it demands coordinated action, adequate resources, and a commitment to addressing root causes.