GABORONE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Sunday pledged to step up his commitment and actions to end gender-based violence.

He made the pledge at the launch of the 2018 commemoration of 16 days of activism against violence on women and children, whose theme is "#HearMeToo; End Violence Against Women and Children."

"This theme comes at an opportune time when countries are committed to speak out against all forms of violence against women and children," said Masisi, adding there are also calls for people to work together as a united force to ensure that perpetrators of this crime are held accountable for their transgressions.

He remarked that gender-based violence is one of the world's leading human rights violation.

He emphasised the fact that ending gender based violence against women and children should be seen as a collective responsibility by all and sundry.

The objectives of the day is not only to educate and empower citizens to speak out against gender based violence but also to ensure mass mobilization of the community against the fight. The activism will last until December 10, 2018.