BONELA, with support from NAHPA, initiated a dialogue toraise awareness about its Human Rights Programme and the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Campaign. This initiative is aimed at advocating for the rights and protection of marginalized and vulnerable populations, including keypopulations disproportionately affected by HIV, TB, and GBV. The discussion focused on the intersection of human rights and public health, emphasizing the need to address systemic inequalities, stigma, and legal barriers that preventmarginalized communities from accessing justice and essential healthcare services. Through this campaign, BONELA seeks to strengthen community engagement, influence policy reform, and foster a more inclusive society where every individual’s dignity and rights are respected and protected.
As one of the sub-recipients under the Human Rights Project,implemented by BONELA and supported by NAHPA, MHGJO facilitated discussions on the barriers faced by the LGBTIQ community in accessing healthcare services.These discussions were framed within the broader context of human rights, highlighting how systemic discrimination, stigma, and policy gaps contribute to health inequities at the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity,and access to care."
As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by NAHPA, PMCFMH facilitated discussions focused on the challenges male sex workers face in accessing HIV/TB healthcare services. These conversations explored the broader human rights context, emphasizing howsystemic stigma, discrimination, and policy shortcomings contribute to persistent health inequities tied to sexual orientation, gender identity, and access to care.
As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by NAHPA, SISONKE Botswana facilitated an important discussion focused on sex workers and the stigma they face in accessing HIV and TB healthcare services. The session shed light on the human rights violationsand social discrimination that hinder sex workers from receiving adequate care.By addressing these barriers, SISONKE Botswana emphasized the need for a supportive legal and healthcare environment that respects the dignity and rights of sex workers. The dialogue aimed to promote more inclusive healthpolicies and reduce stigma in service delivery.
As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by NAHPA, FOD Organisation led a critical discussion centered on the experiences of LGBTIQ individuals in accessing HIV and TB healthcare services. The dialogue focused on the pervasive stigma anddiscrimination that this community faces within healthcare settings and the broader society. By creating a safe space for open conversation, FOD Organisation highlighted the urgent need for inclusive, non-discriminatory health services that respect and uphold the human rights of LGBTIQ persons. Theinitiative aimed to inform more equitable policies and practices that ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and TB.
As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project led by BONELAand supported by NAHPA, Captive Eye facilitated focused discussions addressingthe healthcare access challenges faced by People Who Use Injection Drugs(PWUID) and sex workers. This session explored barriers to HIV and TB services,while also examining how legal frameworks and gender-based violence impact thehuman rights of these key populations. Captive Eye’s involvement aimed topromote inclusive, rights-based solutions that bridge the gap betweenhealthcare, justice, and vulnerable communities in the Removing BarriersProject.
As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by National AIDS & Health Promotion Agency (#NAHPA), Nothing Without Us (#NWUS) Botswana led a vital discussion centeredon the challenges sex workers face in accessing HIV and TB healthcare services.The conversation highlighted how stigma, discrimination, and human rightsviolations create significant obstacles to proper care. NWUS Botswana used theplatform to advocate for a more enabling legal and healthcare environment thatupholds the rights and dignity of sex workers. The discussion was part ofbroader efforts to push for inclusive health systems and reduce stigma withinservice provision.
As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project—an initiativeimplemented by BONELA and supported by NAHPA—Success Capital took theopportunity to contribute to national dialogue during the 2025/2026 budgetspeech. Their engagement emphasized the critical importance of Universal HealthCoverage (UHC), while also spotlighting the unique challenges faced bytransgender individuals. By centering discussions on the intersection of healthequity and human rights, Success Capital underscored the need for inclusivepolicies that address the marginalization of trans-people in healthcaresystems.
Dive into the crucial topic of health and democracy. BONELA Executive Director, Cindy Kelemi-Baeletsi joins “My Democracy: The Dialogue” LIVE on Gabz FM exploring the state of our health system in Botswana. The burning question is “How can we revive it?”
BONELA Advoacy Officer, Tlamelo Mothudi will be hosting Laone van Vuuren LEGABIBO Head of Policy & Legal Advocacy explore the 2024 Constitution (Amendment) Bill on Discrimination, Sexual Minority Protections, and the Intersex Identity.
𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓
Listen in for an enlightening discussion on mental health legislation in Botswana, exploring the Mental Health Act of 2023 and Constitutional (Amendment) Bill around issues of mental health, well-being, and discrimination. LGBTQAI+ voices share experiences on how discrimination impacts mental well-being.
Youth Empowerment to address mental health in a changing climate, bridging gaps in reproductive health services and digital access.
BONELA Advoacy Officer, Tlamelo Mothudi will be hosting Itumeleng Johane DITSHWANELO, Project Support Assistant on Duma FM to exploring the 2024 Constitution (Amendment) Bill on the Amendment of Section 3 of the Constitution and its impact on Socio-Economic Rights.
Tlamelo Mothudi, BONELA Advocacy Officer Discussing High New HIV Infections Prevalence in Adolescent Young Girls (BAIS V)
Okavango District: 154 pending cases of which 139 (Defilement Cases) 39 (Rape Cases) as @ 06/10/2024.
(PART 2) WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐒 The focus of the discussion issue is whether or not there is justice for GBV Survivors.
Guests: Leungo Kgwaneng (BONELA Legal & Liaison Officer), Diana Meswele (NAHPA), Kutlo Mphusu (Mphusu Law Firm) Uyapo Ndadi (Ndadi Law Firm)
Discussion Points:
Is there justice in our institutional frameworks for GBV survivors?
Are gender based violence survivors able to seek recourse?
We explore the legal framework itself, the laws and the structures that exists to enforce those laws.
PART 1 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐒 The focus of the discussion issue is whether or not there is justice for GBV Survivors.
Guests: Leungo Kgwaneng (BONELA Legal & Liaison Officer), Diana Meswele (NAHPA), Kutlo Mphusu (Mphusu Law Firm) Uyapo Ndadi (Ndadi Law Firm)
Discussion Points:
Is there justice in our institutional frameworks for GBV survivors?
Are gender based violence survivors able to seek recourse?
We explore the legal framework itself, the laws and the structures that exists to enforce those laws.
While kissing a child on the lips may seem like a loving gesture, it can expose the child to harmful bacteria and viruses that can lead to serious health issues. The act can result in difficulty establishing and maintaining personal boundaries, as well as potential misunderstandings with others. Parents should be mindful of the messages they are sending to their children through physical touch and consider alternative ways to express love and affection. By being aware of these risks, parents can make informed decisions about their interactions with their children and help protect children from potential harm. #MakingTheRighttoHealthaReality #ProtectingChildrensRights
BONELA notes with concern a briefing by Amnesty International dated 9 January 2024 and titled “We are facing extinction”, wherein Amnesty reports on an increase in the use and weaponization of legal systems on the continent, to target and discriminate against members of the LGBTQI community. This weaponization of legal system has contributed to the global deterioration of human rights and an increase in attacks, oppression and hostility towards the community resulting in threats to their safety and wellbeing. Additionally, the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioners media statement dated 24 March 2022, warns of the risk faced by those whose working to end violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. In light of this warning, the Ghanaian Bill places a target on the backs of human right defenders working in country.
BONELA continues to stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ and International community in demanding that the rights and protections, enshrined in the International Bill of Rights, be extended to the LGBTQIA+ community.
BONELA STATEMENT: BONELA Statement on the Anti-LGBTQI Bill - Ghana.docx on letterhead.pdf
25/06/2020 BONELA introduced the organization and children’s rights, particularly in light of June 16 – Day of the African Child this year commemorated under the theme “Access to Child Friendly Justice in Africa”
25/06/2020 BONELA introduced the organization and children’s rights, particularly in light of June 16 – Day of the African Child this year commemorated under the theme “Access to Child Friendly Justice in Africa”
In many African countries, children’s welfare needs and their status in issues pertaining to the law, where they are required to serve as witnesses , classified as victims of abuse and in most instances, subjected to parental disputes, their rights are overlooked and violated. Therefore this year’s June 16 theme highlights the significance of providing legal literacy in schools and even the society as simple laws or informal justice that children should know and should be able to utilize if need arises. This is mainly to promote children’s rights and their role in the justice processes.
