GABORONE, Botswana -- A global health engagement team from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa Command Surgeon’s Office met with members of the Botswana Defense Force in March to discuss concepts and policies related to preventing sex-based violence.
This was the first iteration of a multiphase program managed by U.S. Air Force international health specialist, Technical Sergeant Samara Brown. The team was joined by members of the Zambian Defense Force, who partnered with U.S. subject matter experts to facilitate discussions. This marked the first-ever multilateral event for this program, paving the way for regional partnerships in southern Africa.
It also served as a culminating event for ZDF personnel, who have been engaging with the U.S. team for over a year, exchanging knowledge and best practices related to violence prevention.
“This engagement aims to strengthen our existing partnerships among Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and the U.S. defense forces, promoting peace, security and stability in our respective countries,” said Army Col. Cynthia Chimpusa, Zambia’s delegation lead. “Our partnerships will have a positive and lasting impact on preventing violence, highlighting our shared values, common interests and commitment to global peace and security.”
The panel of subject matter experts included Dr. Lynn Lieberman Lawry, a professor at Uniformed Services University, who led discussions by giving presentations and incorporating interactive exercises. U.S. and Zambian facilitators worked seamlessly together as a team, drawing upon teaching methodologies explored during previous engagements in Zambia.
“The ZDF superseded our wildest hopes and dreams,” said Lawry. “Watching them facilitate a highly successful multilateral engagement with the BDF was the capstone of my 30-year career. I have never been so proud of students.”
When it comes to violence prevention and response, Zambia is well on its way to becoming a center of excellence. This strength can be multiplied by bringing a regional ally like Botswana into the fold.
“This historical multilateral engagement involving USAFE-AFAFRICA, ZDF and BDF paves the way for future engagements, which will strengthen the BDF since it is still at a formative stage of integrating violence prevention into its operations,” said Army Lt. Col. Onkabetse Simana, delegation lead of Botswana. “The insights and experiences shared during this engagement have enriched our knowledge and will further enable us to effectively address violence and meaningfully contribute to regional and international peace and security endeavors.”
Not only did the event showcase the importance of global partnership, but it also highlighted the relevance of addressing violence within military ranks.
“When we create policies and programs to address how to prevent and respond to violence within our units, it creates a safer environment for all service members. This enhances readiness and strengthens operations, bolstering the military’s ability to support regional and international security,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Linda Jones, international health specialist and delegation lead. “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to work with our counterparts from Zambia and Botswana, and we look forward to many more opportunities moving forward.”