Mascom Wireless has unveiled “Step Up for Child Safety” as the theme for the 8th edition of the Mascom Batanani Walk, placing child protection and access to justice at the centre of its 2026 campaign.
The walk, scheduled for August 8, seeks to strengthen child protection systems in Botswana while supporting efforts to make justice more accessible and child-friendly for young victims of abuse.
Mascom said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to advancing child welfare, a cause it has championed through its partnership with UNICEF Botswana and through CEO Dzene Makhwade-Seboni’s role as Chairperson of the UNICEF Children’s Council.
Violence against children remains a pressing concern in Botswana, with studies showing high levels of abuse and low reporting rates. According to the Violence Against Children Survey, one in four girls aged 13 to 17 who have ever had sexual intercourse experienced unwanted sex during their sexual debut, compared to one in twenty boys.
The same study also revealed that only 10 percent of abuse cases are reported to authorities, largely due to fear of victimisation and lack of trust in reporting systems.
Mascom Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Boipelo Matenge said the campaign is meant to encourage communities to speak out against abuse and strengthen support systems for children.
“As a business rooted in connecting people, we recognise that connectivity also means being one with the communities we serve. It requires our intentional efforts towards awareness and support to structures meant to address social issues. The Mascom Batanani Walk remains that critical platform,” she said.
She added that Mascom is committed to leading initiatives that create safer spaces and improve children’s access to justice.
The Botswana Police Service has been named the primary beneficiary of the 2026 walk. Funds raised will support child-friendly police centres, which provide safe environments for children reporting abuse and ensure they are treated with dignity throughout investigations.
The proceeds will go towards furnishing and refurbishing identified spaces where children with ongoing cases can be safely accommodated while investigations continue.
Mascom has called on government, the private sector, civil society and communities to join the walk and support efforts to protect children and strengthen justice systems across the country.
