WASBO spokesperson Game Mothibi told Mmegi Sport that the Gaborone branch is not working fully because most members have quit. He said the branch is mainly made up of University of Botswana students who leave Gaborone after completing studies. "We want to look at such issues of how to retain members", Mothibi said. She asserted that the review of WASBO's strategic plan is expected to be complete by the end of next month. The strategic plan is in its final year. Mothibi said they are re-evaluating the plan to find out what they have achieved and where they fell short.
WASBO is a substructure of Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) formed in 1997 with the core mandate of encouraging more women and girls' participation in sports. The structure works with all sports codes. Mothibi asserted that it should be noted that the formation of the structure was not influenced by the common perception that there is oppression of women in sports by men. She said they have never believed that women are subjugated in sports. But they think there are a number of cultural issues that stops women from continuing with sport at some point. "We just believe that there are a number of cultural issues that stops women from taking part in what is believed to be a male domain," Mothibi said. She pointed out that naturally women are family care takers and are expected to be home every time. She believes that since WASBO was formed, women participation in sport has increased. She added that nowadays, women take part in sport as competitors, match officials and administrators. She said through WASBO, many myths about women and sports have been debunked. But she regretted that they have failed to set up offices in other parts of the country because they do not have enough manpower. Currently WASBO has three offices in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Mothibi advised other areas to form branches and call WASBO for help.
