02 Apr 2014

Francistown deputy mayor, Ms Joyce Ndove has applauded Gender Links Botswana and Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) for the first SADC district gender protocol summit held in Francistown recently.

Ms Ndove told the summit that Botswana was faced with gender based violence issues and low participation of women in politics. Thus, she said efforts such as those of Gender Links Botswana and BALA were essential in women empowerment.

The district summit themed 50/50 gender equality demanding a strong post 2015 agenda and ending gender based violence, was aimed at addressing gender equality and governance on issues such as women empowerment in their role as decision makers in politics.

A five-day workshop was also conducted which sought to address concerns about low representation of women in power.

The district summit also included participants from various councils in the northern part of Botswana including Francistown, Chobe, Selebi-Phikwe, North West, North East, Bobirwa, Sowa, Boteti and Tonota.

There were also competitions where councils showcased their work in different categories which included gender champion, 50/50 gender equality and the post 2015 agenda as well as women’s rights.

Selebi-Phikwe Town Council scooped the first prize of institutional award while Chobe, North East and North West scooped position two to four respectively.

Meanwhile, Ms Ndove thanked competition winners, saying councils were mandated with institutional objectives which fell under centres of excellence programmes geared towards improving gender mainstreaming.

She further noted that public speaking, which formed part of the workshop objectives, was key for aspiring councillors because credible evidence and confidence was required in addressing the public.

The deputy mayor also applauded Gender Links Botswana country manager, Ms Keabonye Ntsabane for her role in ensuring that voices of the minority were heard. ENDS