Women and the political glass ceiling

Sole voice: Tshireletso (in turquoise dress and hat) is among the few women MPs
Sole voice: Tshireletso (in turquoise dress and hat) is among the few women MPs

Mosadi ke thari ya sechaba and other idioms place women at the centre of Setswana society. But is this reverence for women’s culturally hallowed position reflected on the ground? Staff Writer, BABOKI KAYAWE examines the evidence

Botswana prides itself as a beacon of peace and democracy in Africa, and is ranked well relative to most nations globally. As a result, the landlocked country continues to be highly regarded by the international community. 

Despite strides in developmental undertakings, as reflected through provision of universal education, promotion of maternal health, and being the first African country to reduce HIV/AIDS deaths through the rolling out of free Anti-Retroviral Drugs, women in Botswana languish at the bottom of almost every sectoral indicator.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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