National Gender commission Launched
Botswana National Gender Commission which was established by the National policy on Gender and Development was launched at Tlotlo Hotel Gaborone this week.
The commission is multi-sectral with 16 commissioners appointed by the Minister. Commissioners are drawn from Government parastatal institutions, the Private Sector and Civil Society Organisations.
The mandate and function of the commission is to provide a strategic policy, leadership, and governance on Gender and Development. The Commission will also advice Government on gender issues particularly on policy development and service delivery, monitor the implementation of the policy, liaise with the Ministry responsible for Gender to provide guidance and support within Government and externally on the promotion of gender equality and gender justice.
The Commission will further liaise with other stakeholders in parastatal organisations, the Private Sector and Civil Society Organisations to develop appropriate programmes and strategies.
In his key note address Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Hon. Tumiso MacDonald Rakgare stated that to ensure implementation, the National Vision 2036, the National Development Plan and the National Policy on Gender and Development all aspires and commits to Botswana where both the female and the male genders are afforded equal opportunities to meaningfully contribute to the socio-economic, cultural and political development of this country”.
He also stated that Government constantly and consistently reviews laws, policies and establishes appropriate institutions to address gender gaps identified at any level, with efforts for adoption of the Sexual Offenders Registry Act of 2021 which amongst others provide for stiffer penalties against offenders and the recording of names and particulars of all persons convicted of sexual offences; establishment of the Gender and Child Protection Branch in the Botswana Police Service as well as Special Courts to speed the hearing of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Cases.
On her part, the newly appointed chairperson, Judge Sanji Mmasenono Monageng stated that she is thankful to the Government of Botswana for trusting and appointing the team to be commissioners and emphasized that the committee will do their best to carry the mandate of the commission. She applauded everyone who has been part of the launch and those who made the launch a success.
