04 Nov 2013

Botswana leads in closing gender disparities which is evident in increased number of women in decision making positions.

This was revealed in a recent survey by Grant Thornton which reported that 39 per cent of the senior management positions were held by women in Botswana.

In his State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday, November 4, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said, “our country has emerged as a global leader in promoting gender equity, as reflected in independent surveys measuring the number of women in technical, professional and executive positions, as well as the relative parity that exists within our educational institutions.”

He said the Grant Thornton Survey results tied Botswana for second position in the world. The President informed the nation that  Botswana remained committed to the continuous interrogation of governance structures and processes to promote gender equality in its efforts to eliminate gender barriers.

Hence he said, “government is also developing the National Policy on Gender and Development. To further combat the scourge of gender based violence a multi-sectoral national response plan has been developed.”

On other issues, he said unemployment remains a major challenge for people living with disabilities, “Government recognizes the special obstacles facing most people with disabilities in seeking jobs. As a result the Directorate of Public Service Management has been instructed to apply affirmative action measures to facilitate employment access to people with disabilities in the public sector.” ENDS