BNF’s women, youth leagues celebrate inclusive resolution

Botswana National Front (BNF) Central Committee has been hailed for coming up with a resolution that will promote inclusivity for women, youth and the marginalised.

At its latest meeting the central committee resolved that a special dispensation of at least 30 percent quota be put in place to promote women representation in decision making bodies both at party level and public institutions. This is expected to assist the youth league in its endeavour to promote and support young people to serve in decision making bodies; and to have same extended to marginalised interest groups. BNF Women’s League Secretary General, Katlego Morolong said they are particularly pleased with this resolution as it shows the dedication the party has towards improving women participation in politics. “Our stance is quite clear; we are pleading for 30 percent quota of constituencies that will be contended for to be reserved for women in the next upcoming elections.

“We wish to see a woman to woman contest in reserved constituencies in the upcoming primary elections that will be paving way for the general elections,” Morolong said. Morolong added that this bold stance is motivated by the fact that there are a lot of societal factors that come into play during elections which give male dominance the upper hand. According to the secretary general, these factors include domestic duties that are performed by women to look after their homes, lack of money as opposed to their male contenders and the stereotypical patriarchal society pertaining to women who are active in politics. She explained that this country needs women leaders, not just any women leaders but women of substance, with independent minds. Recently President of the BNF, Advocate Duma Boko elected two women as additional members to the central committee. This decision, according to Morolong is commendable and they desire the consistency of such decisions both in internal and at national elections level within the BNF. BNF Youth League President, Resego Kgosidintsi said the resolution should not be a word of mouth only but must be implemented with the seriousness it deserves. “We however applaud the BNF Central Committee for pursuing an inclusive agenda. Youth make a huge part of the voting populace and should be included not only as voters but as candidates at both council and parliamentary level.

“This should be extended to other marginalised groups such as women and people living with disability,” Kgosidintsi said.