25 Apr 2024

Women in politics are encouraged to break free from the stereotype of reveling in the failure of their fellow women in the political sphere.

Recently, women in politics from different political parties attended a weeklong workshop on women’s empowerment in politics organised by Gender Link Botswana in Francistown.

In an interview on Wednesday, some of the participants highlighted that this mentality hindered progress and perpetuated gender inequality in politics. They appealed to all women in politics to abandon the detracting concept in favor of a new era of solidarity and support.

Ms Felicity Keleeme from the Botswana Patriotic Front in Mogapinyana said that women had the power to transform politics.

She argued that the notion that women were to blame for their underrepresentation in politics due to lack of support for one another needed further examination.

While acknowledging that solidarity and support among women could be influential in advocating for equal representation, Ms Keleeme emphasised that there were often societal and structural barriers beyond women’s control that hindered their success in politics.

Ms Maggie Joseph from the Botswana National Front in Selibe Phikwe West noted that progress towards gender equality in Botswana remained slow.

She highlighted that the lack of solidarity among women can impede the pace of change in increasing their political representation and influence, making it challenging for talented and capable women to ascend to positions of power.

Ms Joseph stressed the importance of unbiased and equal media coverage for female politicians to enhance their visibility, challenge stereotypes, and counter sexism in political reporting.
One of the facilitators, Francistown Central Councillor Ms Nametso Griesmeir from the Botswana Democratic Party, suggested amending the Constitution to ensure proportional representation and gender equality.

Councillor Griesmeir emphasised that proportional representation would guarantee that women’s perspectives are adequately represented, helping to overcome historical and structural barriers that have hindered women from achieving equal political representation.

“Many countries have a legacy of laws, policies, and societal attitudes that have made it difficult for women to equally participate in politics,” she said.

Specially Elected councillor, Ms Kebonyetsala Lindemann of the BDP at the Tutume District Council who was also facilitating the workshop said the main objective of the workshop was to encourage more women into the political structure.

Ms Lindemann said women were better placed to advocate for policies that promote gender equality, address women specific concerns, and ensure that women’s voices are heard.

She said research had shown that a diverse group made better decisions, as the members would bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to the table.

Additionally, Ms Lindemann said the workshop was aimed at empowering women who would be contesting in primary elections of the various political with the tools and skills to withstand the bullying and intimidation tactics often employed by their male opponents.

“We are empowering these brave women with the skills they need to stand up to the men who would try to silence their voices,” she said.   ENDS