WASBO adopts Sexual Harassment Policy

Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO), during Ordinary General Meeting and Strategy Review Workshop over the weekend at Cresta President Hotel in Gaborone adopted the sexual harassment and gender based policy.

The development and implementation of the sexual harassment and gender-based violence policy will help to create a sports environment that is safe and conducive for all sport stakeholders. Sexual harassment is a recognized social problem in sport which restricts athletes from participating in sport or performing optimally.

The Botswana Sports Volunteers Movement Representative at WASBO, Keenese Katisenge-Tizhani said the Sexual Harrasment Policy stems from the values of universal human rights principles; including, but not limited to, the right of everyone to dignity, equality, access to justice, to be free from discrimination and freedom from harm and harmful practices. “On this premise, sexual harassment is discriminatory and unlawful; perpetrating sexual harassment invokes the right of the complainant to redress and remedies in terms of this policy and in terms of the laws of Botswana.” On the other hand, gender–based violence in its broadest sense is recognized as both a global and national challenge, with violence towards women being noted as an endemic that exists in every sphere of society, including the sport fraternity. “To this end, everyone within sport has a responsibility to identify and counter violence and harassment and to develop a sport culture that is characterized by respect and safety. “Women and Sport Botswana will not tolerate sexual harassment and form of gender based violence and it shall take strides to prevent and eliminate sexual violations and gender based violence and to provide redress mechanisms for survivors and victims’ under this Policy.” The Sexual Harassment and Gender based Violence Policy for Sport in Botswana shall apply to all Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) and Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Affiliates and sports stakeholders and persons under their charge such as, but not limited to employees, consultants, members and volunteers. The objectives of the Policy and implementation guidelines include: safeguarding athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, sport psychologists, officials, sport information personnel, administrators and volunteers of all sexes and gender identities in sport from unwanted sexual conduct. To also provide guidelines and appropriate procedures on how to report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based violence broadly. To provide redress and support to sexual harassment and gender- based violence survivors and to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence in the sport fraternity among others. The meeting and workshop was attended by representatives from the WASBO Regions, National Sport Associations, Women’s Commissions, BNSC, BNOC and the Media.