In a world where it often feels like we’re merely passengers on an unpredictable journey, prevalent social issues serve as reminders of our collective power to shape our path. Movements like “Me Too,” “Time’s Up,” and “Eseng Mo Ngwaneng” have sparked discussions on consent, challenging established power structures based on factors like age, wealth, job status, and race. Consent, defined as permission granted for an action or agreement, is now being scrutinized for its non-continual nature. In Botswana, an initiative has emerged to engage the next generation in this crucial conversation, preparing them to navigate the complexities of consent as they inherit the land.
Founded by Motswana Creative Director and Human Rights Advocate, Nature Inger, in collaboration with her project partner Maja Markovic from Montenegro, the Create Consent Culture project is aimed at empowering communities through consent education. As the recipients of the esteemed Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) administered by the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, the establishment of the groundbreaking project marks a chance to bring many of Botswana’s legislative protections to fruition. The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a global initiative by the government of the United States of America giving alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programmes financial support to implement innovative solutions addressing local and global challenges. Since its establishment in 2011, AEIF has supported numerous impactful projects worldwide covering subjects such as conservation in Vietnam, women’s leadership training in Togo, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Canada.
Nature Inger, while her name may evoke images of a supermodel or beauty queen for some, has broadened her social impact through diverse endeavors. As a recipient of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, she pursued Law and Human Rights at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, with a primary focus on gender equality and combating gender-based violence. “During my academic journey, I actively collaborated with organizations, dedicating my time and skills to initiatives addressing sexual violence,” she explains. “Additionally, I participated in school outreach programs emphasizing safety in relationships, consent, and mutual respect.” This collective experience, combined with extensive research on the positive impact of consent education, particularly in reducing instances of gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy, served as the foundational inspiration for the Create Consent Culture (CCC) program.
Like many a developing country, Botswana leans heavily toward conservativism. This, coupled with internalised colonial structures that prevented the development of forums where social matters may have been aired out, has resulted in a national fear of uncomfortable dialogue. The shadow cast by the word “taboo” allows for the proliferation of a pervasive reluctance to address certain issues openly at a community level, making it an obstacle to educating children on such matters. In their response, CCC has prioritised developing a programme where sensitive topics like sex, violence, and abuse are not explicitly mentioned. “Our approach ensures that children comprehend the fundamentals through age-appropriate, educational, and enjoyable presentations” shares Inger, adding that in their innovation to allay reservations, it remains “crucial for our people to understand that we prioritise the well-being and comfort of children, and will never have explicit discussions during our presentations.”
The young initiative is well positioned to move the needle on effecting protections and strengthening accountability measures as laid out by legislation like the Children’s Act 2009. With the country’s sullied reputation with regards to the prevalence of sexual violence, and the increasing cases of child defilement – the Botswana Police Services notably reported 2,059 recorded cases in 2022 alone – social ventures such as CCC are evidently necessary. The implementing teams have set ambitious goals of impacting 15,000 children and 5,000 parents and teachers in this initial iteration of the project. However, the founder’s sights are set on “scaling up of this outreach programme to a national level, with the integration of consent education into our national curricula – for which we are actively seeking government support and collaboration.”
The primary support and financial sponsorship for the project’s establishment phase has been administered through the U.S. Embassy in Botswana, but beyond making for good report content, the team attests that they have experienced positive feedback and interest from local communities and the private sector. With the burgeoning local support, the team continues to “explore opportunities for collaboration and additional backing in the future, so we can continue to grow beyond even after the grant duration” so as to feed into the development of a safer and more respectful environment for young individuals through such education. As an extension of the project’s teachings, Inger has penned, “Ask Me First” – a book that serves as the primary teaching material and the cornerstone of the programme. For those seeking to further the programme’s reach, the book is available for individuals and businesses to purchase for donation to those in need.
Investing in youth development and social reform, as undertaken by Consent Culture, is a significant endeavour. Yet, its vision is as polished as Botswana’s daily unearthed diamonds. Traits like responsibility, respect, and accountability foster thriving communities, irrespective of location or socio-economic status. Cultures evolve, and the children undergoing this training may one day speak of a transformed Botswana. While the journey is lengthy, Inger and Markovic demonstrate that charting progressive paths is achievable when bright minds unite.
