27 Nov 2022

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture has reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to the achievement of gender equality and women empowerment.

In his contribution to the debate of the State-of-the-Nation-Address Thursday, Mr Tumiso Rakgare who is also Mogoditshane MP said government was aware of gender mainstreaming hence the need to prioritise women empowerment in its operations.

He said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was committed to empowering women by appointing them to key positions in governance and decision making which made them influential in governance and administration.

Mr Rakgare said upon his ascension to the presidency, Dr Masisi selected four women from the BDP as part of the six specially elected MPs, a move which increased female representation in Parliament.

He said the appointment of former police deputy commissioner Ms Dinah Marathe as the first ever female Commissioner of Botswana Prisons also marked history of the country.

He said another landmark appointment was that of Ms Emmah Peloetletse as the first ever female Permanent Secretary to the President.

Another female who had been given key responsibility, he noted,  was Justice Tebogo Tau who was recently appointed Court President of the Court of Appeal. 

Mr Rakgare also said over 50 per cent of permanent secretaries in government were female.

He said the success of the female soccer national team The Mares was worth mentioning especially after their historic qualification to the biggest soccer showpiece in the continent.

He said the wonderful goal by The Mares left footed striker Keitumetse Dithebe was also nominated the best goal of the tournament reflecting the impact made by Batswana women.

Mr Rakgare said he advocated for participation of women in political offices even from opposition ranks such as Ms Motsei Madisa-Rapelana and Ms Abigail Mogalakwe.

He said unemployment remained a worrying factor for government with efforts made to meet the challenge seemingly not enough.

He praised government for successfully hosting the Forbes Under 30 which was meant to capacitate young people to collaborate with other youth entrepreneurs.

The MP also applauded local businesses who did not retrench though pressed down by the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. 

He said those who did retrench employees should be discouraged from doing so.He said the transformation of the department of broadcasting services and their decision to engage expert broadcasters was worth mentioning.

He said upgrading of subordinate authorities such as Mogoditshane would bring services closer to people and would  also help in getting authorities to account for every funds spent.

Mr Rakgare said water and electricity were two utilities that needed to be made affordable.ENDS