Gaborone, January 27, 2025 — Senior officers from the Botswana Police Service (BPS) gathered at the Botswana Police College for a five-day workshop aimed at strengthening the force’s capacity to address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality within its ranks.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Director of the Gender and Child Protection Branch, Mr. Gontlafetse Segolodi, delivered the keynote address. He described the workshop as a pivotal step in integrating gender mainstreaming into the BPS’s operational strategies. The training will provide officers with tools and knowledge to ensure inclusivity and fairness at all levels of the service.
The program reinforces Botswana’s commitments under international agreements, such as the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Mr. Segolodi urged participants to foster a culture of gender equality within the police service, with expected outcomes including improved leadership on gender issues and more effective monitoring of related policies.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Director of Training and Academics, Ms. Dipontsho Pharithi, said integrating gender considerations into policing is essential for sustainable development and effective policymaking. She noted that the workshop would address existing gender disparities within the organization.
The workshop is attended by senior officers ranging from Assistant Superintendent to Senior Superintendent, representing police stations nationwide.
