The Permanent Mission of Botswana to the United Nations Office at Geneva who presented this report said there was increasing awareness among women of this stigma, with many widows now refusing to wear the particular widow dress. "The media was, however, lagging behind regarding some of these women's issues, including femicide. For that reason, journalists have been targeted in gender training since they can play an important role in leading the population to understand the issues at stake," Boemetswe Mokgothu, the permanent representative at the UN office said.  He said government has made progress in tackling traditional beliefs infringing women's rights, hence women are now represented in the police and the army, along with other typically male-dominated professions.

The delegation expressed the view that women who did not wish to practice the traditional widow mourning were not significantly discriminated against and that this custom was fast wearing off. The delegation also said every person whose rights have been infringed upon could report to the police or other government agents who are available throughout the country and that there have been such cases were some women did make reports.

The Botswana delegation revealed to the CEDAW that in recent years there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of gender based violence, and the reports are a result of the sensitisation activities conducted.

"Nevertheless, the government continues working on that issue and has in place an integrated approach to combat gender-based violence. Currently only two shelters for victims of violence exist. The government believes this to be insufficient, and is willing to assist any non-governmental organisations that plan to establish more shelters," the delegation added.  Following-up on cultural practices that discriminate women, CEDAW experts said government needs to roll up its sleeves and take the issue seriously. CEDAW members also identified participation of women in the formulation of government policies and development policies at all levels as one of the key rights of the Convention.

However, they said, the situation in Botswana was far from this ideal with only four women compared to 58 men in Parliament, which was an unfortunate fact. CEDAW said particular efforts need to be made regarding women's representation in the justice system. They asked the Botswana delegation if the draft Gender Policy includes any temporary special measures to accelerate the participation of women in political and public life. "Men particularly need to understand the importance of women's involvement. A society that succeeds is one that includes women in all spheres. Could the delegation elaborate on any awareness-raising actions targeting political parties and the media on this matter?"

In a further series of questions and comments, experts noted that the rate of HIV-infection remains high among women although there has been a decline in the overall prevalence.  The experts said more work needs to be done to identify reasons for the large-scale concern in maternal health in Botswana. They explained that in fact, needs-based support to women could have been allowed, avoiding many of the problems noted in the report. Experts also noted that unsafe abortion seems to remain an issue, and that more exhaustive analysis, including determination of the exact causes, as well as comparison among the rural and the urban areas, should be done. "Causes might for example include the fact that men had insufficient knowledge in terms of sex education. What had Government undertaken in that regard?" the experts quizzed the Botswana delegation.