Is Botswana a gender inclusive state?

Characteristically, violence is a deprivation of security and an expression of power against the vulnerable. Gender Based Violence (GBV) is an expression of unequal gender relations. When presenting a motion on GBV, Yandani Boko pleaded the need for urgency as the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the challenge of GBV bringing the problem sharper into focus’. Forlornly, it seemed his cry landed on a sweet-bitter terrain as the motion was deemed important but not urgent. Any deferment in dealing with violence is a deferment in dealing with insecurity.

To paraphrase, ‘gender security delayed is gender security denied’. Any display of political ill will is a display of structural violence- violence as a result of unequal economic, social and political relations perpetrated by the machinery of the State.  The post 2015 development agenda as clearly espoused in the sustainable development goals seeks to ‘strengthen universal peace in larger freedom’ and any exclusion of gender renders the efforts counterproductive.