The programme specifically refers to the actions taken to promote the well-being of children, youth, and vulnerable adults to ensure they are safe from harm. The launch came at a time when Botswana and many other countries are alive to issues affecting women and girls in sport, particularly Gender-Based-Violence (GVB), sexual harassment and assault. "SMA is complementing the work that has been done by sportspeople to address GBV, sexual harassment and assault, and all other related non-accidental harm," she said.
Mothibi said the programme will run until November next year but also promised that it may continue beyond that if they get more funding. The agency together with Mentorship and Empowerment Program for Young Women (MEMPROW) Uganda have so far secured sponsorship of $100,000 (approximately P1 million) for one year from Africa Women’s Development Fund. "The funds are meant to cover the following; Advocacy: engagements which will involve stakeholder and partnership assessment meeting and developing communication materials advocating for safeguarding and inclusion of females as well as media advocacy for safeguarding.
Skilling and empowerment sessions involving conducting social survival skills (including SRHR) and safeguarding training for 50 girls in elite sport, creating safeguarding teams to prevent and respond to violence: This will be done through creating and ensuring active GBV response teams and referral networks for reporting and referring cases of abuse in sports," she said.
