Molome’s BNFWL lobby targets GBV
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday April 8, 2025 11:03
One of the lobbies seeking to take power, Team MAATLA led by Monica Molome launched their manifesto this week. Welcoming the media to the launch of manifesto, Sadie Moremomg who is contesting for the Secretary General position said the manifesto represents the hopes, aspirations and vision for their collective future.
“Today marks an exciting moment for team MAATLA as we present not only our policy priorities but also our commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. This manifesto is a reflection of our dedication to listening to the voices of women and to address the challenges facing our women, disabled people and women at rural areas,” she said.
For her part, Molome said they sat as a group of women and grouped women issues they have.
“We wanted to make a difference, and we decided that we can use the BNFWL as a wheel to making changes in lives of women within the BNF and indeed to all women in Botswana. We have since engaged a lot of BNF women campaigning and eventually came up with this manifesto,” she added.
Amongst burning issues, Molome said they were concerned about Gender Based Violence (GBV) and have since made it a priority to free women facing GBV in their homes.
She said their voices ought to be heard on the matter. She said they intend to stand up to teach women about GBV and assist them on what to do when they experience abuse.
“We have also realised that women try things, but because of lack of life skill education they do not go far. The aim is to have them economically independent as it is one of the things that can be able to move out of their homes if there is a situation posing harm to them,” she said.
Team Maatla states in their manifesto that a strong, empowered Botswana begins with women’s active participation in all sectors.
They believe that through bold action, strategic policies, and unwavering advocacy, they will work with the party Central Committee and the UDC government to stop the abuse and start the change, building a Botswana where women thrive, lead, and shape the future.
They aim to be the voice of advocacy for women, youth, the disabled, and marginalised groups. They also intend to engage in policy-making and legislative processes to ensure women’s rights are prioritised.
Besides support for GBV survivors, community engagement, advocacy for stronger laws and enforcement, they intend to use other tools like the promotion of vocational and technical education. In terms of women empowerment, they state that they intend to support women-led businesses through advocacy, training, mentorship, and protection
Team MAATLA further intends to push for gender quotas, train and provide mentorship to improve women participation in leadership and governance. They also promise to establish & create leadership training programmes and platforms for women’s voices. On youth and marginalised groups, they promise to prioritize their inclusion and participation in community and national development.
They also promised to establish cultural exchange programmes to empower women, youth disabled and create platform for their active participation.
With their BNF being part of the current UDC government and having a low number of women representatives, team MAATLA promises to champion women’s political leadership and representation.