Flimsy excuses surround Gender Protocol

While the country has made tremendous strides in terms of women empowerment and gender equality, it remains a sore point that after all these years Botswana is still to sign the SADC Protocol for Gender and Development.   In fact, in the six years since it was established, Botswana is one of only two countries in the region that are still to sign the Protocol.

It is baffling why government still refuses to sign the protocol, which is after all, an instrument that would show its commitment to developing and implementing legislation and policies to provide for gender equality and women empowerment. Some of the arguments proffered against signing in the past have included the alleged financial implications of the Protocol, an excuse that seems to have become a standard chorus despite the lack of proper substantiation.