Policewomen key to advancing justice – Marathe
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday March 25, 2026 06:06
Officiating at the commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, organised by the Botswana Women Police Network recently, Marathe said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on progress made in advancing gender equality whilst renewing commitment to justice and inclusion.
Held under the theme 'Resilient and Innovative Women in Policing: Advancing Justice for All Women and Girls', the event aligned with the global call to action “rights, justice, action for all women and girls”.
Marathe noted that the theme challenges institutions worldwide to strengthen systems that safeguard rights, eliminate discrimination, and ensure equitable access to justice.
She highlighted that policing today requires a deeper understanding of diverse community needs, stressing that security is not one-dimensional.
“The organisation must respond to the unique vulnerabilities and expectations of men, women, boys, and girls,” she said, adding that women officers play a vital role in bridging these gaps.
Tracing the history of women in Botswana policing, Marathe said the journey began in 1971 when only eight women were enlisted into the then-Botswana Police Force. Today, women make up approximately 39% of the workforce, a significant milestone reflecting resilience and progress over the years.
She noted that women are now actively contributing across all areas of policing, including frontline operations, criminal investigations, forensic science, cybercrime, air support, and gender and child protection services.
Their growing presence, she said, is not only improving representation but also strengthening professionalism and service delivery.
Marathe further emphasised that the Botswana Police Service remains committed to being a gender-responsive institution. She said the service continues to align its policies with key international and regional frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, and Botswana’s Vision 2036.
Amongst notable achievements, she cited the establishment of the Gender and Child Protection Branch in 2021, the introduction of standardised procedures for handling gender-based violence cases, and the creation of victim-friendly spaces. These initiatives, she said, demonstrate a deliberate effort to make justice systems more accessible and responsive.
Marathe also acknowledged the role of the Botswana Women Police Network in providing mentorship, empowerment, and professional support to women officers. She described the network as a strategic platform that helps women navigate the demands of policing whilst balancing family and societal roles.
On capacity building, she encouraged officers to take advantage of international training and networking opportunities, including programmes offered by INTERPOL, the United Nations, and the International Police Association. Such platforms, she said, are essential for enhancing leadership skills and tackling emerging security threats.
Addressing future challenges, Marathe warned that policing is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements and changing crime patterns. She said resilience and innovation are now essential qualities for modern law enforcement.
She referenced outcomes from the recent senior officers’ conference, which prioritised building institutional resilience, driving innovation, strengthening leadership, and enhancing public trust through accountability and professionalism.
In her closing remarks, Marathe called for unity within the service, urging both men and women to work together in advancing gender equality. She stressed that empowering women is not a gender issue but a shared institutional responsibility.
“Women in policing are not just enforcers of the law; they are architects of justice,” she said.
She finalised by encouraging officers to remain committed to integrity, compassion, and service, noting that every effort contributes to building a safer and more just Botswana.