ALEN BLANCO HERNANDEZ 2035

This project addresses the rising challenge of tobacco use in Botswana, especially among young people. It delivers a nationwide awareness campaign highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco through radio, social media, and educational serial dramas. Roadshows featuring influential personalities help reshape attitudes and promote healthy behaviour. The initiative also conducts school awareness sessions to engage students in discussions about the dangers of tobacco use. MBGE provides one-on-one and group counselling to support individuals dealing with tobacco dependence. The campaign strengthens community understanding of tobacco-related harm and promotes healthier lifestyle choices across different age groups.

Brothers Arise is a national campaign designed to strengthen male engagement in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention in Botswana. The initiative encourages men and boys to adopt positive health-seeking behaviours while promoting mutual accountability and supportive peer networks. It addresses key health and social issues including HIV, non-communicable diseases, gender-based violence, and mental health. The campaign works closely with community influencers, local structures, and service providers to promote early health service uptake and challenge harmful norms that prevent men from seeking help.

This project strengthens the ability of Civil Society Organizations to deliver sustainable and impactful gender-equality interventions in Botswana. It focuses on building institutional capacity in key areas such as governance, resource mobilization, programme management, and advocacy. The initiative supports MenEngage Botswana network members to better engage communities, including marginalized groups, in challenging harmful gender norms and addressing systemic barriers. It promotes collaboration across the MenEngage Botswana Alliance, ensuring shared learning and collective action. The project also contributes to stronger, more coordinated national responses to gender inequality and violence

This 15-month project targets three remote settlements in the Ghanzi District — D’kar, Kuke, and Chobokwane — with the goal of reducing GBV by strengthening community-level structures. The initiative trains community mobilisers to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns and delivers MenCare Fatherhood sessions using the Program P Toolkit to promote positive masculinity. It includes capacity building for customary court officials and GBV service providers to improve local response systems. The project also supports the revival and strengthening of Child Protection Committees and facilitates community dialogues to challenge harmful gender norms. School-based awareness sessions further engage learners and promote early prevention.