Young Mothers Network calls for gender equality

In Botswana, many girls and young women find themselves abandoned during pregnancy and after birth by their partners, left to raise their children alone. Due to poverty, young people find themselves in abusive relationships, dating sugar daddies where they have no say on issues about sexual intercourse. This has therefore put their lives at risk of contracting STIs, HIV, and even unwanted pregnancies.

This is why the Young Mothers Network saw it fit to respond to government’s request to all who wanted to make submissions on the review of the country’s Constitution. According to Thatayaone Makabanyane, Inspired Horizons Association (IHA) health and advocacy officer, they felt it was critical to identify relevant constitutional clauses that could be changed, as well as the governance implications. She said they believed in protecting people’s rights and maintenance of the balance of power.