The Minister of Justice, Defense and Security Shaw Kgathi’s recent announcement that Government will soon increase the age of sexual consent from 16 to 18 though hailed and welcomed by many has attracted mixed reaction from some members of the public. While some argue that the law is long overdue and will come a long way in protecting mostly the girl child – who are often lured into having sexual relations with men old enough to be their fathers and in most times leading to teenage pregnancies and school dropouts – others argue that 16 year-olds are old enough; that girls that age are often sexually mature and often in need of amenities like family planning advice and methods and the anticipated law they argue may hinder access to all this. Kgathi is expected to table the amendment in the coming November session of Parliament. It is against the law in Botswana for adults (male or female) to engage in sexual activity with a young person (boy or girl) under the age of consent. The offence is called ‘defilement.’ The difference between rape and defilement is even if a child under the age of defilement gives their consent, it is…