Political women face cultural barriers

Forty years after the first two women entered Parliament, the distaff section of Botswana's National Assembly is at a dismal five percent. As the nation prepares for this year's general elections Mmegi staffer Gothataone Moeng and correspondent Tsaone Basimanebotlhe look at the situation on the ground.


When she was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) this week, Dr Habaudi Njiro Hobona made history as the first woman MP from the ranks of the opposition since Botswana's independence. Botswana Congress Party’s Dr. Hobona, representing Francistown West, increases the number of women MPs to five in a Parliament of 61 legislators.  

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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