Botswana

Poverty continues to be a major obstacle in efforts to develop women in the region. This was said by Assistant Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri.

A landmark study released today by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) connects widespread discriminatory views against women in Botswana and Swaziland to sexual risk-taking and, in turn, to extremely high HIV prevalence.

There will be no special dispensation for women as political parties go to the primaries in preparation for the 2009 general elections putting into doubt the parties' commitment to women empowerment.

Women politicians who gathered for a workshop organised by the Botswana Media Women's Association (BOMWA) and the Gender and Media in Southern Africa (GEMSA) complained that women were accused of earning political office by providing sexual favours.

Contrary to expectations, the Domestic Violence Bill presented by deputy Speaker Gladys Kokorwe has received overwhelming support from male MPs.
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The limited number of women in political structures is a cause for concern, says the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Peter Siele.

Chances are that more women will be dropped from decision-making positions after the on going party primaries and 2009 general elections. The women will revert to singers in party choirs, cooks during party conferences and fundraising agents.

The newly crowned Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Women's Wing chairperson, Angelinah Sengalo, has promised to empower women politicians to identify the power they possess.

"The Botswana Caucus for Women in Politics has failed to realise the objectives it was intended for, but we will not give up on it just yet," says Margaret Nasha.