Seneo Mabegano breaks the silence
Author, actress, and advocate Seneo Mabengano has released her new book, Break the Silence
A powerful illustrated storybook aimed at tackling the urgent crisis of gender-based violence (GBV). The book is more than a narrative; it’s a call to action designed to empower survivors and the entire nation of Botswana to confront this overwhelming issue.
Break the Silence provides a voice for those who have been silenced, overlooked, and forgotten. Through courageous storytelling, the book exposes the harsh realities of GBV while offering hope, healing, and empowerment. Mabengano’s vision is to reach even the most remote parts of Botswana, where abuse often remains a hidden reality. A crucial feature of the book is that each copy includes helpline numbers on the back cover, providing immediate support for anyone in danger.
Mabengano emphasizes that addressing GBV is a collective responsibility. She is appealing to private and government institutions to purchase copies of Break the Silence for schools across the country. By making this storybook accessible to young people, organizations can help spark early dialogue, nurture empathy, and create a safe space for children and teenagers to speak up against abuse.
Mabengano’s long-term vision is for the book to be included in the school curriculum nationwide. This would ensure that young people grow up understanding that GBV in any form is wrong and must be reported. Reading and discussing the book in classrooms would help dismantle the culture of silence and create a generation that refuses to normalize abuse.
The launch of Break the Silence is the beginning of a nationwide campaign to educate and empower the public. It is a powerful message for individuals, communities, and institutions to unite and work together to create lasting change. The book is available in both Setswana and English.
