Nanogang - Brothers Arise

Male Engagement in Health and HIV in Botswana

BOTSWANA
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Foreword

Dumelang Bagaetsho - Greetings.

Engaging men effectively is crucial for improving health outcomes across society. Their health-
seeking behaviours can negatively impact both their own health and that of their families,
particularly in areas like HIV transmission and AIDS management. Furthermore, men play a
vital role in addressing structural drivers of HIV, such as gender-based violence. BAIS V results
showed that despite Botswana achieving 95-98-98 overall, men were lagging behind in testing,
treatment, and viral suppression.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is preventable. Effective strategies involve
a comprehensive societal approach, including working with schools and communities,
engaging the media, collaborating with religious and traditional leaders, and involving sports
organisations.

NANOGANG - Brothers Arise, a campaign led by traditional and faith leaders of Botswana, was
launched in September 2022 with the aim of promoting health-seeking behaviour among men.
Since then, it has become a movement demonstrating tremendous impact.

This holistic approach aims to transform harmful social norms that contribute to HIV transmission
among young women and perpetuate violence against women and girls. Men are essential in
driving these transformative efforts. By shifting harmful norms into positive beliefs, attitudes,
values, and ultimately behaviours, we can make significant progress. This transformation is
necessary to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

We are pleased to present the photobook capturing the journey of NANOGANG, which has
benefitted from the incredible leadership of Dikgosi, NAHPA, BOFABONETHA, and CSOs like
MBGE, with support from the UN.

Aleta Miller Alankar Malviya

UN Women UNAID Botswana
Country Representative Country Director

BOTSWANA

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Nanogang - Brothers Arise
Nanogang - Brothers Arise is a campaign that implements regional framework
for action for male engagement in HIV testing, treatment and prevention in
Botswana. The campaign was launched on the 27th September 2022 by
Minster of State President Honourable Kabo Morwaeng.

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Kgotla Meetings
The Kgotla meetings provided a culturally relevant
platform for engaging men in HIV testing,
treatment, and prevention. Utilising these
meetings fostered community ownership, trust,
and peer influence, making interventions more
effective and accepted. By incorporating the
“Brothers Arise” framework, these gatherings
promoted open dialogue, education, and a holistic
support system. This approach ensured
sustainable, long-term impact in combating HIV/
AIDS, leveraging the community’s collective
responsibility and the trusted environment of
Kgotla meetings to encourage men’s active
participation in health initiatives.

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Dikgosi (traditional chiefs) have led the Nanogang Campaign
from the front presiding over Kgotla meetings to discuss issues
around notions of masculinity, gender based violence and
encouraging men to seek health services to protect themselves,
their partners and loved ones. In a country where men lag
behind in testing, treatment of HIV. Dikgosi have played a huge
influencing role at community level.

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Kgosi Puso Gaborone
Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) - Chairperson

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Dikgosi Training
The training for Dikgosi (chiefs) on gender-based violence (GBV) provided them with knowledge and tools
to address GBV. It covered GBV definitions, impacts, legal frameworks, and strategies for promoting
gender equality and community engagement. Participants learned to support survivors and monitor GBV
interventions, resulting in increased awareness, capacity, and collaboration with stakeholders.

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Faith based organisations
demonstrated leadership in making
Nanogang - Brothers Arise Campaign
a national movement for men to
dialogue on HIV issues, mental health,
transforming gender norms,
improving gender equality and Moruti Mpho Moruakgomo
BOFABONETHA - Chairperson
reducing gender based violence.

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 Mr. Ontiretse C. Letlhare
NAHPA National Coordinator

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NAHPA identified male engagement as key to the HIV
response in its National Strategic Framework (NSFIII. The
National Coordinator has committed and continues to support
implementing partners to accelerate male engagement, male
led initiatives and safe spaces for males to access services.

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 Mr. Desmond Lunga
Men & Boys for Gender Equality- Founder

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Men and Boys for Gender Equality spear headed the launch
of the Nanogang - Brothers Arise Campaign. The name
Nanogang - Brothers Arise is a call to action inspired by
scriptures and by the line in the Botswana National Anthem
“Tsogang Banna” (Men Arise).

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High level commitment
In an effort to get men to be on the forefront in speaking against Gender Based Violence (GBV), ‘PITSO
YA BORRE’ was established as a platform for different men from different sectors to dialogue on issues
of GBV. These sessions allow men to come together and discuss all the issues around GBV, the root
causes and the prevention options. To complete the dialogues the campaign uses male friendly spaces
such as football games and skits to reach out to men and bring services closer to where they are.

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Community Outreach
Men and Boys for Gender Equality, with the
help of dedicated community mobilisers, reached
out to communities in D’kar, East Hanahai, New
Xanagas, and Grootlaagte. Their door-to-door
visits were a vital component of the campaign
“Raising Awareness on GBV through Radio Drama,
Community Dialogues, and Door-to-Door Visits in
Settlement Areas in the Ghanzi District.”

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Blue Couch Training
Men and Boys for Gender Equality established the “Blue Couch” Sessions,
which involved local celebrities, to promote gender equality, reduce alcohol
abuse, and encourage a life of sobriety while also helping individuals build
more positive lives. These projects were not gender-specific.

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Badging Ceremony
Over 32 men and women became MONNA TIA Campaign ambassadors to
address gender-based violence in their communities. They initiated dialogues,
shared personal experiences, and demonstrated exemplary behavior to
inspire change, foster accountability, promote gender equality, and end
gender based violence

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