Parly to strengthen laws to protect women, girls
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday March 11, 2026 11:26
Delivering a statement in Parliament to mark the commemoration of the 2026 International Women's Day, the committee's chairperson, Helen Manyeneng, said decisive action was needed to ensure justice, equality, and empowerment for women and girls across Botswana.
Manyeneng urged Parliament to prioritise laws that safeguard women and girls whilst also improving access to education, economic opportunities, and finance so that women’s economic rights match their educational achievements.
“Mr Speaker, the ball is in your court. We must strengthen education, economic opportunity, and access to finance for women so that their economic rights match their educational attainments,” she said.
She noted that although women now constitute the majority of university graduates in Botswana, many still struggle to find employment.
According to her, unemployment among young women remains significantly high. She said in 2024, the unemployment rate amongst young women stood at approximately 48.6%, compared to 39.8% amongst their male counterparts.
“This persistent unemployment undermines their social and economic empowerment and in some cases compels them to depend on others for support,” she said.
Manyeneng added that empowering women within communities is fundamental to addressing many of the social challenges facing the country.
“When women are economically and socially empowered, vulnerability is significantly reduced, and opportunities for dignified livelihoods are expanded,” she said.
She explained that economic hardships often push women into harmful coping mechanisms such as sex work and other forms of exploitation.
“Empowering women is not only a matter of justice and equality; it is also a critical pathway to building stronger families, safer communities, and a more resilient nation,” she said.
Manyeneng further noted that Botswana has taken steps to address issues affecting women and girls. She highlighted a landmark agreement signed in January 2026 between the Parliament of Botswana and the SADC Parliamentary Forum to implement the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV/AIDS, and Governance Project.
She explained that the initiative aims to strengthen parliamentary capacity, influence policy, and address inequalities in sexual and reproductive health rights for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.
She stated that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day aligns with discussions at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, which focuses on strengthening access to justice for women and girls.
“This underscores that justice is both a human rights imperative and an economic enabler,” she said.
However, Manyeneng acknowledged that significant gaps remain, particularly in political representation.
As of 2024, only about nine percent of seats in the National Assembly were held by women, highlighting persistent underrepresentation in political leadership.
“True equality and empowerment require women’s voices to shape the laws and policies that govern our nation,” she said.
She said the principles of gender equality and empowerment are central to Botswana’s national development vision, Vision 2036, which seeks to ensure equal participation of women and men in economic, social, cultural, and political life.
Manyeneng also raised concern over the high levels of gender-based violence in the country, noting that over 67% (more than two-thirds) of women in Botswana report experiencing some form of physical or sexual abuse.
“This rate surpasses the global average and challenges the health, safety, and wellbeing of families and communities,” she said.
She added that government is already taking steps to address the issue, including the drafting of a Gender-Based Violence Bill by the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs to strengthen legal action against perpetrators.
Manyeneng emphasised that achieving gender equality also aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
“These goals include commitments to eliminate discrimination, violence and harmful practices, as well as barriers to women’s participation in leadership, decision-making and economic life,” she said.
Manyeneng expressed hope that Parliament will enact legislation that protects not only the current generation but future generations of women and girls.