Batanani Walk Takes Stand Against Child Abuse
Sunday Standard Batanani Walk Takes Stand Against Child Abuse Since its inception, Batanani walk has played an important role in supporting communities and driving social change in Botswana. What started as a fundraising initiative has grown into a national platform that addresses some of the country’s biggest social challenges. This year, the walk is placing child safety and access to justice at the centre […] The post Batanani Walk Takes Stand Against Child Abuse first appeared on Sunday Standard and is written by Duncan Kgangkenna
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Sunday Standard
Batanani Walk Takes Stand Against Child Abuse
Since its inception, Batanani walk has played an important role in supporting communities and driving social change in Botswana. What started as a fundraising initiative has grown into a national platform that addresses some of the country’s biggest social challenges.
This year, the walk is placing child safety and access to justice at the centre of its campaign, highlighting the urgent need to protect children from abuse and strengthen support systems for victims. Mascom Wireless says the 2026 theme, “Step Up for Child Safety”, reflects the company’s commitment to helping create safer communities and ensuring children have access to protection and justice.
The campaign was introduced in Gaborone on April 27 and is expected to raise awareness about violence against children, encourage reporting of abuse cases and support institutions that work directly with vulnerable children.
Mascom said the initiative forms part of its wider social responsibility programme and continued partnership with communities. The company noted that child protection remains one of the most pressing social issues facing Botswana today.
According to the Violence Against Children Survey (VACS), many children continue to experience different forms of abuse, with girls being particularly vulnerable. The survey found that among children aged between 13 and 17 who have ever had sexual intercourse, one in four girls experienced unwanted sex during their first sexual encounter, while one in twenty boys reported the same experience.
The report also showed that most abuse cases are never reported to authorities, with only 10 percent of victims coming forward. Fear, intimidation, stigma and lack of trust in reporting systems remain some of the major barriers preventing children and families from seeking help.
Mascom said this year’s campaign seeks to challenge that silence by encouraging communities to speak out and support victims of abuse.
The company added that improving child-friendly services and strengthening systems within law enforcement are important steps in ensuring children feel safe when reporting cases.
Mascom Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Boipelo Matenge said businesses have a responsibility to contribute towards solving social challenges affecting communities.
She said companies should use their influence and resources to support causes that improve lives and create safer environments for vulnerable groups.
Matenge said the Batanani Walk continues to show the power of partnerships between the private sector, government institutions and communities in addressing national issues. “As a business rooted in connecting people, we recognise that connectivity also means being one with the communities we serve,” she said.
She added that supporting child protection initiatives requires deliberate action and long-term commitment from all sectors of society.
Mascom said proceeds from the walk will help refurbish and furnish selected centres across the country to improve the conditions under which children access justice and protection services. The company also highlighted the continued involvement of Mascom Chief Executive Officer Dzene Makhwade-Seboni in child welfare initiatives through her role as chairperson of the UNICEF Children’s Council.
Mascom has called on members of the public, businesses, government and civil society organisations to take part in the walk on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The company believes collective action remains important in ensuring every child in Botswana grows up in a safe environment and has access to justice when abuse occurs.
The post Batanani Walk Takes Stand Against Child Abuse first appeared on Sunday Standard and is written by Duncan Kgangkenna
