Mmegi

Dow decries low women numbers in Parly

Dow PIC.KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Dow PIC.KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Unity Dow, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kgatleng West constituency, expressed her optimism regarding the election of three women to Parliament.

In an interview with Mmegi, Dow shared: "At least we are now six women MPs against 61 men. Three women won general elections, and an additional three were nominated by the President. This is progress, but not enough. People must recognise that women are capable and can contribute to meaningful change. However, we need more women in Parliament." She emphasised her goal of uniting female MPs to speak as one on issues impacting women. Dow also committed to using her experience to mentor the newer female MPs, noting that only her and Bogolo Kenewendo have prior parliamentary experience.

Additionally, Dow urged the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party to secure political funding to increase female representation in the 2029 General Election. She pointed out that the current low numbers of elected women result from insufficient support at both societal and party levels for women pursuing council and parliamentary seats. Dow emphasised the importance of women supporting each other and encouraged understanding of its value. When asked about the readiness of young MP Lesego Chombo for the challenging parliamentary environment, Dow responded: “We will support her. Parliament needs youth, and we should welcome their involvement, not deter it." Dow praised Chombo's potential and shared that she, as a lawyer, is fully capable of adapting and succeeding with guidance, as many others have before her.

Editor's Comment
Get back what was stolen, and lock the door

That a single private law firm pocketed P6.5 million for just four cases, out of a total P11.1 million paid for 25 matters, reeks of a system that was not merely disorganised but open to abuse.Bayford has taken a welcome first step by telling the Public Accounts Committee the truth. Now he must act decisively to ensure it never happens again and that any money lost to wrongdoing is recovered.The figures are staggering. Whilst ordinary Batswana...

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