11 Sep 2017

Government continues to recognise gender equality as central to sustainable development and as such deliberate efforts to address gender gaps in various areas is a continuous process.

This was said by the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu when officiating at a High Level Capacity Building Workshop organised for members of the 16 members of the National Gender Commission on Friday.

The approval of the National Policy on Gender and Development in 2015, Mr Batshu said showed government’s commitment towards the promotion of gender equality.

For that reason, he said his ministry remained committed to facilitating the commission “as this is a critical vehicle through which we can realise our noble intentions of having a society where women and men, boys and girls are afforded equal opportunity to unleash their potential.”

The workshop was meant to equip commissioners with knowledge and skills to empower them to efficiently deliver on their mandate.

A the end of the workshop, members were expected to have gained a wealth of information on International, Regional and National Gender Framework and Policies, have increased knowledge, understanding as well as sharpened their skills on gender mainstreaming, human rights, lobbying and advocacy.

With the information, Mr Batshu said members would be able to develop relevant strategies for gender mainstreaming and integration across all the sectors they represented.

The commission is expected to brief the minister periodically on progress made in the implementation of the National Policy on Gender and Development, so that identified gaps can be strengthened.

Each member of the commission, the minister said should give him “a detailed report on his or her area of jurisdiction, in terms of achievements, challenges and interventions put in place to overcome such.”

“This will further demonstrate areas of need so that appropriate measures are put in place timeously,” he added.

For her part, National Gender Commission chairperson, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, expressed gratitude that Botswana continued to make significant progress in citizen empowerment and commended government for committing significant resources to women economic empowerment programme, which is a vehicle towards attaining gender equity.

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs acting deputy permanent secretary, Mr Mabuse Pule, said the high level capacity building exercise significantly contributed to the country’s development, including promotion of governance.Ends