Botswana behind in signing Helsenki Declaration

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday February 18, 2016 15:26

 

Boitumelo Kenosi PIC: KABO MPAETONA

Since International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) set up office in Botswana two years ago, only the Botswana Netball Association (BONA), the Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) and lately the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) have signed.

IWG marketing and public relations manager, Boitumelo Kenosi told Mmegi Sport this week that other mother bodies are taking long to sign the declaration and there is need to educate them before they commit.

Kenosi said they want all the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) affiliates to sign the declaration.  She said the declaration is meant to address the issue of how to accelerate the process of change that would redress the imbalances women face in sport.

The declaration was adopted at the first international conference on women and sport in Brighton, United Kingdom in 1994.  She said her office has some activities that are meant to empower women in sport and build their confidence.  She said they are working with existing structures such as Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA).

Kenosi said in November 2015, IWG launched the HeForShe For Sport campaign in Botswana where BNSC chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng was unveiled as its champion. 

“The launch took place in line with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. The champion set a target to have signed 200 men by the end of the 16 days and had reached this target within the first week of the set period.  He further set a target to reach 20,000 men by the end of 2016,” she said.

 Kenosi said IWG would be hosting the National Conference on Women and Sport in March 22 at the University of Botswana.

Botswana won the right to host the IWG secretariat, which is headed by Game Mothibi, from 2014 to 2018. South East Girls United at the Water Utilities grounds.

 

Kanye Swallows visit bottom-placed Untouchables at Masa grounds while FC Legends and Makufa play at the Mogoditshane grounds.  All games start at 4pm.