BNF women await leadership inclusion
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday February 2, 2026 08:27
The issue came into sharper focus last week when the BNF formally introduced its central committee (CC) during a press briefing. The party also announced that it would soon constitute its sub-committees. However, it became evident that the additional CC members provided for in the party constitution had not yet been appointed, despite the committee having already held its retreat.
Under the BNF constitution, the power to appoint the three additional central committee members rests entirely with the party president.
The constitution does not prescribe a specific timeframe for these appointments. The current central committee itself was elected in July last year during the party’s elective congress. Explaining the delay, BNF secretary-general Dr Stephen Modise told the media that the party’s tight political schedule had slowed down some internal processes.
He said the BNF was recently preoccupied with two by-elections, which required urgent focus and resources. “Party activities will start soon, and we will tour constituencies and meet regions,” Modise said, indicating that the leadership was now shifting attention back to organisational matters.
However, the press briefing did not provide clarity on when the three additional CC members would be announced. No dates were mentioned, leaving uncertainty around when the leadership structure would be fully completed. Mmegi has since learnt that President Duma Boko has taken steps to move the process forward. He reportedly asked key party structures, including the Youth League, Women’s League and the Central Committee, to submit names of women who could be considered for appointment to the CC.
The move has been interpreted by many within the party as a deliberate effort to address the long-standing gender imbalance in the Central Committee.
According to sources, the President has emphasised that nominees, particularly from the youth organ, must be active and committed party members.“Only the Women’s League has submitted two names so far. The other structures have not responded,” a source said. The source added that the President was clear about the need for nominees who are visible and actively involved in party activities.
Another source revealed that the three additional members could be announced during the next Central Committee meeting, although this has not been officially confirmed by the party leadership. M The pending appointments have reignited debate around women’s representation within the BNF. Despite progressive language in its constitution, the party has consistently struggled to translate its gender commitments into reality.
Article 12.2 of the BNF constitution states that 30 percent of central committee members must be women. It further provides that these members shall be elected by congress and hold office until the next congress.
In practice, however, the current composition of the central committee falls far short of this requirement. At present, only two women sit on the CC. One is the Women’s League president, who holds a seat by virtue of her position. The other is the only woman who was elected during the last congress, where 15 positions were contested. This pattern has repeated itself across successive elective congresses. Women have struggled to secure leadership positions through internal elections. Some party members argue that internal dynamics, factional politics and limited mobilisation have worked against female candidates.
Critics also point to the Women’s League, noting that it has historically not forcefully demanded the enforcement of the 30 percent quota during congresses. As a result, constitutional provisions on gender balance have remained largely aspirational. Against this background, the appointment of the three additional CC members is seen as a critical opportunity. Many party members believe the slots could be used to partially correct the imbalance and ensure that women play a more meaningful role in shaping party policy and strategy.
Beyond the BNF, the issue reflects a broader challenge faced by political parties across the region. While many organisations adopt progressive constitutions, implementation often depends on political will, internal pressure and leadership commitment.
Until the names of the additional members are officially announced, women within the BNF remain cautiously optimistic. For them, the pending appointments are not just administrative decisions. They are a test of whether the party is ready to turn constitutional promises into meaningful action.