10 Mar 2014

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Women, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has called on political leaders to support women who will be standing for elections in the upcoming general elections.

Presenting a statement to Parliament on Friday, March 7, Ms Tshireletso congratulated the opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP) for bringing their first woman representative Dr Habaudi Hubona to parliament.

She also urged women to support fellow women since they constituted a larger population of society. “I would like to pay tribute to the countless women who have made achievements not only in the political environment but in other sectors of this country,” she said.

Touching on Women’s Day Commemoration,  Ms Tshireletso said the day carried historical significance that formally recognised the struggles that women had gone through to gain equal rights.

She said the day was also an occasion to review how far women had come in their struggle for equality in all spheres of life and their participation in propagating peace. She said countries with more gender equality had better economic growth.

Ms Tshireletso said as the world progresses towards 2015 deadline of the millennium development goals, governments should keep in mind promoting human rights and equality. She commended this country for making great strides in removing structural barriers to the empowerment of women.

This, she said, was evidenced by women’s representation in leadership positions, community development, business and religious institutions.

Furthermore she said the upcoming 130th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly will feature in its discussions the protection of children particularly the girl child.

She congratulated the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Margaret Nasha for her nomination to chair the Africa Geo-Political Group during the 130th IPU Assembly in Geneva.

For his part Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe also congratulated Dr Nasha and wished her success in her nomination. ENDS