BDP Women's Wing heads for elective congress
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 20, 2022 06:00
The elective congress comes at a time when some BDP members are already complaining that there is no reward for loyalty in the party. They feel loyal members are rarely considered for positions but rather new members easily get blessings from the party leadership. The other contention is that the party leadership opts for new members and leaves out the old yet devoted members. Currently, different members have endorsed party newbie, Peggy Serame as the chairperson instead of the long-serving Sethu Maano-Gabanakgosi.
The Minister of Finance Serame, Gosego Mmolawa, and Maano-Gabanakgosi have so far raised their hands to declare their interest in the seat at the helm of the Women’s Wing in what is expected to be a close contest. Mmolawa believes that she is a capable candidate for the head position since she already has a place in a non-governmental organisation that deals with issues concerning women and the girl-child. Some on the lobby lists have members who have served on the previous committee and others who are supposed to be outgoing members. At the same time, some members believe that it is time some elders pave way for the young ones who have not had that opportunity to be in leadership positions.
However, some believe that the Women’s Wing congress will give direction and reveal a clear picture of what is happening in the party and whether there is peace or not. Even though this is a Women's Wing congress, the latter has attracted men who want to use it to campaign for key positions in the upcoming mother body congress.
The outcome of the congress may build or discourage the already disgruntled members who feel left out by the party. According to party insiders, the only solution that may work for the party going forward is if members from both sides vote in order to unite the teams.
However, the outgoing chairperson, Veronica Lesole said members will come out better united and focused. Lesole said the focus of the Women’s Wing is to advocate women's issues in the party and also to negotiate with the government to change certain policies and improve some things that could change women’s lives.
Lesole has, however, advised women who are aspiring to join politics to have a passion for it because it has its own challenges. “Politics has changed a lot nowadays because people want to be paid to do some party activities or campaigns. Lack of funds is one of the obstacles that hinder women's progression in politics. Therefore, women who want political positions should have the determination to work the ground and ignore some petty talk that some people are saying about them.
If one is not strong, men can easily discourage her to pursue her dream of politics,” she said. She said women should openly advocate their rights and when elected, they should speak on key issues that their voters want to hear. Lesole added that one should also know that she is accountable to the voters and understands her party policies. Another critical issue going into this congress is improving women's representation in key positions like parliamentary seats and other top positions within the party.
The aim is to encourage women to aim for top seats and not lag behind and end up settling for less. With women among the most affected by unemployment, it is believed that increasing women's representation in key positions, especially in governance could help address issues that affect women and the girl-child. BDP members want to use the upcoming congress to elect people they believe can be their voice.