10 Mar 2019

Botswana and Chinese governments have been applauded for their progress in promoting the advancement of women’s development and gender equality despite prevailing challenges they are faced with in this endeavour.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day commemoration in Gaborone on March 8, Chinese diplomat and wife to the Chinese ambassador to Botswana, Ms Mao Xuehong praised her country, for being an active supporter of women’s development.

This, she said was symbolised by the iconic 1995 Beijing World Women’s Conference at which the Beijing declaration and the platform for action were adopted for the women’s agenda.

“Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed our commitment to gender equality and women’s development by donating $10 million to United Nations women at the Global Leader’s Meeting on gender equality and women’s empowerment in 2015,” Ms Xuehong noted.

That, she said followed the founding of new China in 1949, which prioritised the promotion of gender equality and women’s development. Consequently, women in China have held over 44 per cent of the nation’s jobs since 2000.

Ms Mao similarly praised Botswana’s efforts in promoting gender equality championed by First lady Neo Masisi, who has gone out to speak against all forms of violence against women and girls.

“Botswana has made significant progress in women’s empowerment as they have already achieved gender parity in the judiciary with representation of women at 50.8 per cent,” she stated.

That notwithstanding, disparities in the advancement of women’s development still existed between the two countries and at global level. Domestic violence and abuse remain hindrances to the realisation of gender equality.

“The World Bank released a report recently indicating that women are still legally barred from having the same choice of employment as men,” she stated.

Thus Ms Mao urged all governments to enact laws and regulations that protect gender equality and integrate it into national and social rules and norms.

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso noted that while strides had been made to promote women’s development globally, women were still being subjected to abuse, humiliation and murder.

“Sadly, we still encounter and hear acts of abuse on women and worse, being murdered at the slightest provocation,” she highlighted, adding that women still faced dangerous and humiliating situations, especially in rural areas.

The elimination of such hindrances, she said afforded women the opportunity to participate in all sectors of the society as well as build solid platforms and foundations for societies and nations.

The first International Women’s Day took place in March 1911 after the idea was suggested by Ms Clara Zetkin, leader of the German Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party.

UN dabbed March 8 International Women’s Day in 1975 and had since become the main sponsor. ENDS