BONELA

BONELA, with support from NAHPA, initiated a dialogue toraise awareness about its Human Rights Programme and the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Campaign. This initiative is aimed at advocating for the rights and protection of marginalized and vulnerable populations, including keypopulations disproportionately affected by HIV, TB, and GBV. The discussion focused on the intersection of human rights and public health, emphasizing the need to address systemic inequalities, stigma, and legal barriers that preventmarginalized communities from accessing justice and essential healthcare services. Through this campaign, BONELA seeks to strengthen community engagement, influence policy reform, and foster a more inclusive society where every individual’s dignity and rights are respected and protected.

As one of the sub-recipients under the Human Rights Project,implemented by BONELA and supported by NAHPA, MHGJO facilitated discussions on the barriers faced by the LGBTIQ community in accessing healthcare services.These discussions were framed within the broader context of human rights, highlighting how systemic discrimination, stigma, and policy gaps contribute to health inequities at the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity,and access to care."

As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by NAHPA, PMCFMH facilitated discussions focused on the challenges male sex workers face in accessing HIV/TB healthcare services. These conversations explored the broader human rights context, emphasizing howsystemic stigma, discrimination, and policy shortcomings contribute to persistent health inequities tied to sexual orientation, gender identity, and access to care.

As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by NAHPA, SISONKE Botswana facilitated an important discussion focused on sex workers and the stigma they face in accessing HIV and TB healthcare services. The session shed light on the human rights violationsand social discrimination that hinder sex workers from receiving adequate care.By addressing these barriers, SISONKE Botswana emphasized the need for a supportive legal and healthcare environment that respects the dignity and rights of sex workers. The dialogue aimed to promote more inclusive healthpolicies and reduce stigma in service delivery.

As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by NAHPA, FOD Organisation led a critical discussion centered on the experiences of LGBTIQ individuals in accessing HIV and TB healthcare services. The dialogue focused on the pervasive stigma anddiscrimination that this community faces within healthcare settings and the broader society. By creating a safe space for open conversation, FOD Organisation highlighted the urgent need for inclusive, non-discriminatory health services that respect and uphold the human rights of LGBTIQ persons. Theinitiative aimed to inform more equitable policies and practices that ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and TB.

As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project led by BONELAand supported by NAHPA, Captive Eye facilitated focused discussions addressingthe healthcare access challenges faced by People Who Use Injection Drugs(PWUID) and sex workers. This session explored barriers to HIV and TB services,while also examining how legal frameworks and gender-based violence impact thehuman rights of these key populations. Captive Eye’s involvement aimed topromote inclusive, rights-based solutions that bridge the gap betweenhealthcare, justice, and vulnerable communities in the Removing BarriersProject.

As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project implementedby BONELA and supported by National AIDS & Health Promotion Agency (#NAHPA), Nothing Without Us (#NWUS) Botswana led a vital discussion centeredon the challenges sex workers face in accessing HIV and TB healthcare services.The conversation highlighted how stigma, discrimination, and human rightsviolations create significant obstacles to proper care. NWUS Botswana used theplatform to advocate for a more enabling legal and healthcare environment thatupholds the rights and dignity of sex workers. The discussion was part ofbroader efforts to push for inclusive health systems and reduce stigma withinservice provision.

As a sub-recipient of the Human Rights Project—an initiativeimplemented by BONELA and supported by NAHPA—Success Capital took theopportunity to contribute to national dialogue during the 2025/2026 budgetspeech. Their engagement emphasized the critical importance of Universal HealthCoverage (UHC), while also spotlighting the unique challenges faced bytransgender individuals. By centering discussions on the intersection of healthequity and human rights, Success Capital underscored the need for inclusivepolicies that address the marginalization of trans-people in healthcaresystems.

Dive into the crucial topic of health and democracy.  BONELA Executive Director, Cindy Kelemi-Baeletsi joins “My Democracy: The Dialogue” LIVE on Gabz FM exploring the state of our health system in Botswana. The burning question is “How can we revive it?”

BONELA Advoacy Officer, Tlamelo Mothudi will be hosting Laone van Vuuren LEGABIBO Head of Policy & Legal Advocacy explore the 2024 Constitution (Amendment) Bill on Discrimination, Sexual Minority Protections, and the Intersex Identity.