Mmolawa decries AP gender bias
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 23, 2025 06:00
She says her experience highlights deep-rooted gender bias that continues to plague political structures, even within parties that claim to promote progress.
Mmolawa, who is known for her long-standing advocacy for women's empowerment, equity and ustice, will be battling it out with the current AP vice president Wynter Mmolotsi.
The party will hold its elective congress this coming month.
In an interview on Wednesday, Mmolawa revealed that the backlash began shortly after she “raised her hand” to vie for the second-highest position in the AP leadership.
According to her, she expected some resistance but not the intensity or tone of the criticism, especially from fellow party members.
“Since I announced my intention to contest, I’ve been attacked on WhatsApp groups, labelled a failure, and ridiculed for not winning a parliamentary seat. But that doesn’t mean I am not capable,” she said.
“Political decisions that affect women are made at the top tables of these parties. I cannot allow fear or intimidation to silence me.”
Mmolawa, who previously served as president of Emang Basadi, a leading women’s rights advocacy organisation says her decision to run for vice presidency is rooted in her commitment to break the glass ceiling that has kept many women from key decision-making spaces in politics.
Historically, she said, women in AP have shied away from running for executive positions, often due to an environment of subtle discouragement and overt hostility.
“What is most disheartening,” she said, and added “... some of the victimisation comes from fellow women who should be encouraging others to rise”.
Mmolawa pointed out that women, despite their numerical strength, often find themselves sidelined or treated as cheerleaders for male candidates instead of being recognised as legitimate contenders themselves.
She cited her political journey, noting her participation in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections.
Mmolawa contested in the Francistown East constituency and had plans to stand again until internal party negotiations and the AP’s attempt to affiliate with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led to the seat being handed to a male candidate.
She described the process as disempowering, saying it felt as though her efforts and commitment were overlooked.
“It was painful to watch a constituency I had worked hard for being handed over without consultation, as though I did not matter,” Mmolawa said.
“That’s when I realised that even in so-called progressive circles, women are still expected to step aside.”
Within AP’s central committee, the highest decision-making body in the party.
Mmolawa said that only one woman currently serves, and even that is not by election but under her role as president of the Women’s League.
This, she said, is a clear indication that much work remains to ensure meaningful representation.
“For a party that claims to be forward-thinking, having only one woman at that level, and not even elected directly is simply unacceptable.
“Women should be elected into these positions because of their competence, not appointed as tokens,” Mmolawa said. Despite the obstacles, she remains undeterred.
Mmolawa firmly believes she can bring new energy, fresh ideas, and inclusive leadership to the AP executive.
She said her candidacy is not just about personal ambition but about setting a precedent for other women and young people who dream of making a difference in politics.
“I believe in myself and in my ability to lead. Women should not be afraid to take up space. Responsibilities in the party must be shared equally, and that includes leadership roles,” she said.
She urged women in the party and across the political landscape to stop limiting themselves and begin supporting one another more intentionally.
Too often, she said, women are socialised to cheer for male candidates while undermining or ignoring their fellow women.
“We need to stop ululating for men while failing to support one another,” she emphasized. “If we don’t believe in ourselves, we’ll always be bystanders in the political process,” she added.
Mmolawa also called on party members to reflect on the kind of culture they are nurturing within their ranks.
She emphasised that it is not enough to talk about gender equality; parties must be intentional about creating enabling environments for women to lead without fear of humiliation or sabotage.
“We need to shift the narrative. Women’s voices are not optional, they are essential to the strength and legitimacy of any democratic organisation,” she said.
“If we are serious about transforming politics in Botswana, we must start by looking in the mirror,” she said.
As the AP heads for its elective congress, Mmolawa’s bid has already stirred conversation both inside and outside the party. She believes in principled leadership and inclusive governance.