Alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: establishing the link based on empirical evidence

Abstract

The existence of gender-based violence has been a source of concern within the public and private sectors as well as civil society organisations in Botswana. The present study investigated the link between alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. Further, it attempted to unravel the often unquestioned assumption that gender-based violence is perpetuated by cultural practices. Case study qualitative methodology was used to gather data for the study. A sample of 20 cases was selected purposively from five women's non-governmental organisations. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with agency coordinators, social workers, police commanders and police officers. The findings of the study revealed a relationship between alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, which makes victims vulnerable to HIV infection. From the findings, it is recommended that gender-based programmes be established to sensitise people about the link between alcohol abuse, genderbased violence and HIV/AIDS.

L'existence de la violence sexiste fut une source d'inquiétude dans les secteurs publics et privés ainsi que dans des organisations de la société civile au Botswana. Cette étude a mené une enquête sur le lien entre l'abus d'alcool, la violence sexiste et le VIH/SIDA. De plus, elle a tenté de démêler la supposition que la violence sexiste est perpétuée par des pratiques culturelles. Cette étude a utilisé la méthodologie quanlitative de cas d'étude afin de recueillir les données. Un échantillon de 20 cas a été intentionnellement sélectionné à partir de cinq organisations non-gouvernementales de femmes. En outre, des entretiens profonds ont été menés auprès de coordinateurs des agences, des assistants sociaux et des chefs de la police. Les résultats de cette étude ont tout dit du lien entre l'abus d'alcool et la violence sexiste qui rendent les victimes encore plus vulnérables à la contamination du VIH. A partir de résultats, il est recommandé que des programmes sexistes soient mis en place afin de sensibiliser les gens du lien entre l'abus d'alcool, la violence sexiste et le VIH/SIDA.

Keywords:

• gender-based violence
• alcohol abuse
• HIV/AIDS
• Botswana
• poverty
• NGOs

Mots clés:

• la violence sexiste
• l'abus d'alcool
• le VIH/SIDA
• le Botswana
• la pauvreté
• les ONGs

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Odireleng Phorano

Odireleng Phorano is currently a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. Her specialisation is social work and health with a particular interest in HIV/AIDS and care-giving issues.

Keitseope Nthomang

Keitseope Nthomang is a lecturer of social policy and community practice in the Department of Social Work, University of Botswana. His research interests are in the following areas: HIV/AIDS, community practice, social policy and democratisation of indigenous peoples (Basarwa) and human rights. He has published journal articles, book chapters and manuscripts in all the above areas.

Dolly Ntseane

Dolly Ntseane is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. Her specialisation is social policy. She has published some research articles in the areas of HIV/AIDS, social security, and work and family issues.