25/06/2026
🛑 We Must Protect Our Children --- Not Lower the Age of Consent! 🛑
The recent remarks made by Police Commissioner Marathe to lower the age of consent from 18 back to 16 has left many of us deeply concerned.
I understand where Commissioner Marathe is coming from. The numbers are frustrating.... defilement cases appear to have increased since the law changed. As someone working in health education, I see the daily reality of GBV and teenage pregnancies in our communities. It feels like the law isn’t working fast enough.
But understanding her frustration does not make lowering the age right.
Raising the age of consent to 18 was a bold and necessary step to protect our children..... especially school-going girls from older predators and exploitative relationships. Yes, reported defilement cases rose because the law now covers a wider age range (anyone under 18), meaning more incidents are being recognised and recorded. That’s not failure that’s greater visibility and accountability.
On the positive side, teenage pregnancy rates have shown a promising long-term decline. This translates to fewer young girls dropping out of school, brighter futures, and healthier communities. We cannot undo this progress just because the numbers look alarming on paper. Real protection takes time, stronger enforcement, better prosecution, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education.
Our children’s bodies and futures are not negotiable. Lowering the age of consent sends the wrong message that we are willing to expose 16- and 17-year-olds to adult sexual relationships instead of doubling down on safeguarding them.
As parents, educators, health workers, and citizens, we must stand firm:
Protect children first. Safeguard their education. Prioritise their future.
What are your thoughts? Should Botswana lower the age or strengthen support systems around the current law? Let’s discuss respectfully below 👇
