09 Aug 2015

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe, says significant progress has been made in the area of women’s rights as confirmed by the 2014 report on the implementation of the Beijing platform for action.

Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the European Times Botswana recently, Ms Kokorwe noted that gender equality was increasingly supported by the legal and policy framework hence women were more empowered in economic spheres.

She added that gender parity has been achieved in education at primary and secondary school, leading to more women occupying senior positions and carrying out decision-making responsibilities.

“I know we are not doing well in politics and hope that we will one day get there. I always say the best way to get there is to look at our constitution and see what we can do, amend it and do like other countries have done,” she said.

She said the promotion of women’s right was creating a more inclusive society that enables the country to harness the skills of every citizen regardless of gender.

On the economic front, Ms Kokorwe said Botswana has embarked on rigorous diversification initiatives in order to reduce dependence on diamonds and eco-tourism which has resulted in the creation of new businesses. 

Ms Kokorwe said the government has been particularly supportive of female entrepreneurs, citing the women’s grant which provides women groups with seed money of up to P250 000 to get their businesses off the ground. 

She said the government’s initiative to reduce gender based poverty and increase the economic empowerment of women has paid dividents.

She said NGOs such as Women in Business Association (WIBA) play a critical role in keeping women’s businesses going by providing networking opportunities, events and business resources.

“Botswana is keen to include the participation of foreign investors in continuing the development and diversification of the economy,” she said. She added that Botswana offers a conducive environment for investment. 

For his part, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) chief operations officer, Mr Meshack Tshekedi said the launch of the European Times Botswana was a critical milestone. 

 

He added that it was  an honour for Botswana as it was one of the few countries where the publication has been launched. He said the publication was globally recognised and reaches a wide network of influential readership within the political, business and consumer spheres that BITC could not reach. Mr Tshekedi added that the publication resonates with the mandate of BITC, as it exists to promote the country.

He said BITC and the government still have a long way to go in so far as promoting business in the country was concerned. Ends