An assessment of Botswana governments' policy in promoting gender equality and empowerment since Beijing (1995)

Abstract

This study is about the Assessment of the Botswana Government's policy in Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment since Beijing (1995). To be empowered, it is important to be aware of one's own capabilities and creative energies. Empowerment is as much about taking charge of the process of making decisions, as it is about the achievement of empowerment goals. In the 21st century, women enjoy more freedom and power than ever before. However, women in Botswana are still disadvantaged compared to men. Women are deprived of equal access to education, health care, capital, and decision making powers in the political, social, and business sectors. Batswana women are not receiving equal opportunities or access to national leadership positions that accord them the responsibility to contribute to the country's development of national policies, laws, and regulations. Men continue to dominate leadership in cabinet, parliament and other higher government institutions with only a few women reaching these positions. It has been established that significant achievements have been made by the Botswana government, in partnership with local NGOs and international organizations, in redressing the tide of gender inequality and women empowerment over the past fourteen years. This is true especially in the areas of institutional and policy changes, review of legislation to remove discriminatory clauses, public mobilization and sensitization for gender awareness, ensuring gender parity in enrollment in primary and secondary schools, as well as improving the health of women. However, it has also emerged from the analysis that further work may still have to be done to complete the exercise. This pe1iains especially to the economic empowerment of women, ensuring that more girls receive science-based and vocational training, and stemming the tide of gender-based violence and its attendant impact on the vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS. However cultural practices, coupled with deep-rooted societal attitudes and institutional cultures that discriminate against women are the major challenges hindering the achievement of gender equality in Botswana.