This came to light at the just-ended regional media training on Women’s Political Participation (WPP) training that was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, which had attracted journalists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Eswatini. Addressing the media on WPP Africa barometer-SADC findings, Gender Links’ Gender and Governance Associate, Susan Tolmay called on the government of Botswana to take advantage of its constitutional review to include issues affecting women as women’s political participation in Botswana remains the lowest in SADC.
The representation of women in the Botswana Parliament remains the lowest in SADC with 11% after it only increased by just one percent, from 10% in 2014 to 11% in 2019. Tolmay called on the government of Botswana to make sure that the process is inclusive and delivers gender equality. She stated that the Botswana government could learn a lot from countries like South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Namibia and Zimbabwe that have made a milestone in WPP. “Women’s political representation at national level in Botswana remains the lowest in the SADC region. However, since Botswana is currently reviewing its Constitution, I call on them to take advantage of this move to address women's issues and include them in the decision-making process as gender equality remains pivotal to the development of the country,” she said.
