Women & Politics in Botswana Situational Analysis of History and Current Perceptions

H E R L E A D E R S H I P D O C U - S E R I E S B Y
T S A T S I N G M E D I A
R E P O R T C O M P I L E D B Y
Y A L D A B O T S W A N A
P R O J E C T P R O U D L Y F U N D E D B Y
T H E U S E M B A S S Y I N B O T S W A N A A

Introduction: Botswana's Political
Context
History of Politics and Active Women
Participation in Botswana
Women Representation in Botswana
Parliament (1965-2019)
The Faces of women in Parliament,
with interesting facts
Motions moved by women in
Parliament
Perceptions on Women and Politics: A
Survey
Opinions from Respondents
Her Leadership Docu-Series
Viewers' Feedback on Social Media
Post Docu-Series Feedback Survey:
Results
Conclusion- Final Thoughts

Botswana is currently led by His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi who
got into the seat in April 2018 when H.E Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama
stepped down and was officially elected into the seat in 2019 during
Elections. He is Head of State for the Sovereign Republic of Botswana.
The President is part of the ruling party- Botswana Democratic Party-
BDP, where the country is a Multiparty State with the citizens (aged 21
years and above) at liberty to elect any party representative with the
party with most representatives taking over the Leadership of the
Democratic State. More than 50% of electorates in Botswana are
women. The minimum percentage set by SADC Members is 30%
The opposition parties include the Botswana Congress Party, Botswana
National Front, MELS, Botswana Movement for Democracy, Botswana
People's Party, Alliance for Progressives, and the newly formed
Botswana Patriotic Front. There is the Umbrella for Democratic Change-
UDC which is a coalition of a few opposition parties.
The BDP which has been ruling since Independence in 1966 currently
has 38 out of 63 seats. The UDC which is the main Opposition has 15
seats.
Out of these 63 seats, three (3) women claimed their seat at the 12th
National Assembly ( Hon. Nnaniki Makwinja, Hon. Talita Monnnakgotla,
and Hon. Anna Mokgethi. ) H.E Masisi then used his Presidential powers
to Specially elect four (4) more women ( Hon. Beauty Manake, Hon.
Peggy Serame, Hon. Philda Kereng and Hon. Unity Dow) bringing it to 7
seats held by women. 6 out of these 7 (including Dr. Dow) were also
appointed to the Cabinet.
Representation of women is currently at 11.11%
Dr. Unity Dow was in 2020, dropped from the Cabinet as Minister of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Read more:
https://www.iknowpolitics.org/en/election/botswana-31-10-2019-botswana-national-assembly
https://www.africanews.com/2019/11/06/here-w-why-botswana-s-president-nominated-4-
female-mps//
https://www.weekendpost.co.bw/28357/news/why-i-chose-to-exit-cabinet-dow/
https://www.parliament.gov.bw/index.php/2012-02-13-15-06-33

Botswana, formerly known as Bechuanaland
has successfully held 5-year interval
multiparty elections since 1969. The first
National Assembly led by H.E Sir Seretse
Khama came in when the country was in a
hopeless situation, counted amongst the
poorest in the world. The BDP had won
major seats with 28 out of 31 seats.
The National Assembly did not have any
women representatives but that changed in
1974 when two women; Dr. Gaositwe Chiepe
and Mme Kebatshabile Disele were indirectly
elected into Parliament. In 1979 only one
female was specially elected (Mme
Ketshabile Disele) while Dr. Chiepe was
popularly elected.
The UN Declaration of the "Decade for
Women" birthed so much awareness with
regards to gender issues and led to the
establishment of Emang Basadi influenced
the movement of women and intent to stand
for leadership positions especially in the
early 90s, which contributed to more women
coming forward to stand for leadership
positions. This Women's Movement has
however gone quiet over the past couple of
years.
Botswana's Parliament has continuously
failed to reach the 30% SADC target despite
the winning party's efforts to give women
merit-based priority during special elections.
Despite women being the majority voters, it
is also evident that only a few have come
forward to stand since 1979.
The table on the next page also illustrates
that the gap between women in parliament
and the number of total seats in parliament
has grown wider with each election with the
only significant increase seen in 1999 when
the percentage of women in Parliament was
at 17%.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebatshabile_Disele
The Road to Botswana Parliament- Botswana General
Elections PDF
https://www.voanews.com/africa/botswana-battlesdeclining-number-women-politics

Women Representation in Botswana Parliament (1965-2019)
The Women in Parliament Roll Call
Hon. Gaositwe Chiepe (Specially Elected)
1974
Hon. Kebatshabile Disele (Specially Elected)
1979
Hon. Gaositwe Chiepe
Hon. Kebatshabile Disele (Specially Elected)
2004
Hon.Pelonomi Venson
Hon.Gladys Kokorwe
Hon. Botlogile Tshireletso
Hon. Lesego Motsumi
Hon.Margaret Nasha (Specially Elected)
Hon. Sheila Tlou (Specially Elected)
Hon. Moggie Mbaakanyi (Specially Elected)
1984
Hon. Gaositwe Chiepe
Hon. Clara Olsen (Specially Elected)
1989
Hon. Gaositwe Chiepe
Hon. Esther Mosinyi
1994
Hon. Gaositwe Chiepe
Hon.Gladys Kokorwe
Hon. Margaret Nasha (Specially Elected)
Hon. Joy Phumaphi (Specially Elected)
1999
Hon. Margaret Nasha
Hon. Joy Phumaphi
Hon.Gladys Kokorwe
Hon. Tebelelo Seretse
Hon. Lesego Motsumi
Hon.Daisy Pholo
Hon. Pelonomi Venson (Specially Elected)
Hon. Shirley Segokgo (Specially Elected)
2009
Hon.Pelonomi Venson
Hon. Botlogile Tshireletso
Hon. Lesego Motsumi (Specially Elected)
Hon.Dorcas Makgato (Specially Elected)
Hon. Gloria Somolekae (Specially Elected)
2014
Hon.Pelonomi Venson
Hon. Botlogile Tshireletso
Hon. Dorcas Makgato
Hon. Same Bathobakae (Opposition)
Hon. Unity Dow (Specially Elected)
Hon. Bogolo Kenewendoi (Specially Elected in 2016)
2019
Hon.Annah Mokgethi
Hon. Nnaniki Makwinja
Hon. Talita Monnakgotla
Hon. Peggy Serame (Specially Elected)
Hon. Beauty Manake ( Specially Elected)
Hon. Philda Kereng (Specially Elected)
Hon. Unity Dow (Specially Elected)

Gaositwe Chiepe Dr.
First woman to be part of the cabinet
Served in Parliament and cabinet
from 1974 to 1994
Disele Kebatshabile
One of the first women specially
elected to Parliament
Served in cabinet from 1979 to
1984
Olsen Clara
Specially elected from
1984-89
Seasoned Journalist
Mosinyi Esther
Her tenure parliament was
shortlived as she was defeated
during the 1994 Primary Elections
Kokorwe Gladys
2nd woman to be Speaker of
Parliament
Motsumi Lesego
First got into parliament
through popular vote, was
eventually appointed High
Commissioner to Botswana
in India
Pholo Daisy
Her tenure in parliament was
shortlived though in 1994 she won
elections and became MP. Never been
Specially Elected
Nasha Margaret
First woman to be Speaker of
Parliament
Launched a book called Madam
Speaker, Sir! Breaking the Glass
Ceiling, One Woman's Struggle.
Joy Phumaphi
Left politics to work for
International
Organisations; World
Health Organisation and
the World Bank

Seretse Tebelelo
First woman to serve as Ambassador
to the USA
Was the Head of Campaign for the
2019 Elections (BDP)
Venson-Moitoi
Pelonomi
One of the most daring women
who has given hope to women,
challenged the current president
for BDP leadership and also ran for
AU Chairmanship.
Segokgo Shirley
One of the first women
specially elected to
Parliament
Tlou Sheila
A distinguished Professional Nurse who
led in the fight against HIV/AIDS when
the country was the most affected. The
impact was highly felt and she continues
to contribute globally as an expert.
Tshireletso Botlogile
A gender activist of note who has
consistently lobbied for Gender
Sensitive SRH Programs
Mbaakanyi Moggie
An entrepreneur and political
activist of note who has played
a role in revolutionizing the
women's movement in the
Political Space
Somolekae Gloria
Was specially elected and held
several cabinet positions.
Now Senior Research Fellow at
Botswana Institute for
Development & Policy Analysis-
BIDPA
Dow Unity
A human rights activist who
successfully challenged the law that
argued that citizenship was
inherited by children from the
fathers and not from their mothers
Same Bathobakae
First woman from the opposition
to be member of Parliament

Makgato Dorcas
One of the young hopefuls that marked
the 10th anniversary of Botswana's
independence with a march past for
the first President in 1976.
Was specially elected into Parliament
and is currently serving as Botswana
Ambassador to Australia
Kenewendo Bogolo
Youngest member of Cabinet
Also one of the seasoned
economists in the country,
having represented the country
internationally
Mokgethi Annah
Has held leadership
positions in both the
Opposition and ruling party
Makwinja Nnaniki
Current Member of Cabinet (2019)
Monnakgotla Talita
A Transport magnate who won
elections in 2019
Serame Peggy
Leading technocrat in issues of
Trade before being specially
elected and appointed Minister
of Investment, Trade and
Industry
Kereng Philda
Member of Cabinet- 2019, also
entrepreneur of note
Beauty Manake
Leading female Agropreneur before being specially
elected in 2019

Some of the Motions moved by Women in Parliament:
Over the years women in Botswana Parliament have rarely moved motions, mainly because of the
Positions they hold once in Parliament. Almost 100% of women that have ever been in Parliament since
1974 have been appointed to cabinet as Minister or Assistant Minister and this has not afforded most of
them an opportunity to interrogate a wide variety of issues of national interest. There are however a few
women who have used the opportunity as ordinary MPs to move motions. Below are just some of them:
Motion calling for the House to resolve that Debt Collectors be brought under the supervision,
direction, and oversight of a suitable Government Department, as is the case with Deputy Sheriffs
and Court Bailiffs and Messengers of Court.
A motion calling for the amendment of the Constitution to pave for increasing the number of
Specially Elected members of parliament to appease women
Hon Botlogile Tshireletso
Moving the motion calling on legislators to register their assets and liabilities
Hon. Joy Phumaphi
Refined a motion by Hon. Sedirwa Kgoroba to read; government to implement Recommendation 23 of
the Revised National Policy on Education which abolished automatic promotion and replaced it with
assessed promotion.”
Hon. Unity Dow
That any elected Member of Parliament (MP) or any councillor who wishes to cross the floor from one
party to another should forgo his seat and seek a fresh mandate from the electorate
Hon. Gladys Kokorwe
“The alignment of the penal code to the Children’s Act” which would deal with issues of sexual
consent, child imprisonment, and incest, just to name a few.
The creation of a sex offender’s registry,” which was motivated by the inactivity of the registry
that dealt with children-specific cases and rising cases of sexual assaults in the country
Bogolo Kenewendo

One of the men who participated in the
survey shared the following opinion on why
a political career is a complicated journey
for a woman living in Botswana to pursue.
Based on the history and pattern regarding
women in Political Leadership over the past
50 years in Botswana; a mini-survey was
conducted to get an in-depth understanding
of what could be influencing this pattern of
participation by women.
The survey was created via the "Survey-
Heart" platform and the link was shared on
Social Media. 98 responses were received
and it was a mix of men and women with
84% respondents being women.
Through the survey, we managed to "get
inside the mind" of an average Motswana
man and his views on women entering the
Political SPace but most importantly, the
survey also managed to establish different
reasons why an average Motswana woman
would choose to- or, not to pursue a political
career.
"I don't feel that women are backed
by their political parties as often as
men for positions of leadership, not sure
why exactly but this often the case,
maybe it's because of the gender bias
that we as a society have or the
tendency to still uphold traditional
gender roles whether subconsciously or
consciously."
The survey however further revealed that a
lot of women have purposely chosen to steer
clear of career journeys in the Political
space, perhaps by choice or because of
thoughts shaped by society. More notable
opinions are quoted in the next section
where we share questions asked and the
results.

Age Range of Participants:
Most of the respondents were youth (18-35 years)
followed by respondents within the range (36-55 years).
These are the two most critical groups as they are not
only eligible to vote but can also stand for elections
from age 21 years.
Respondents in terms of their employment sectors:
Participation was mostly fairly distributed in as all
sectors were represented. The highest participation was
however by employees from the Private Sector followed
by Public Servants.
Respondents in terms of their location in
Botswana:
55% of the respondents are based in Gaborone while
other respondents were from Goodhope, Selibe Phikwe,
Mogoditshane, Mmankgodi, Mochudi, Lobatse,
Mahalapye, Maun, Francistown, Jwaneng, Gabane,
Gantsi, Molapowabojang, Molepololoe, Oodi,
Ramotswa, Selibe Phikwe, Thamaga, and Serowe.
This survey may therefore not represent perceptions of
people across the rest of Botswana but is a fair
reflection of general views as most constituencies are
represented.

Voter Participation:
79 of the 98 respondents indicated that they had
participated in elections in one or more of the last
elections. This is a reflection that most of Batswana to
exercise their right to vote for their political leaders,
especially within the active age groups that were the
majority of respondents (18-55 years)
Why have you not voted in the last three elections:
19 of the participants indicated that they had not voted in the
last three elections and the two most popular reasons were that
respondents felt that they were just too busy and had no time to
register to vote
They were not interested in people who stood to be voted to
represent their communities in various political leadership roles
Have you ever voted for a woman:
65 of the
participants who
have voted
before indicated
that they had
never voted for a
woman before.

Reasons for not voting for a woman:
A great majority of the respondents indicated having not voted for
a woman before. The following was the most popular reason:
"There was no woman standing for a political position in that
constituency"
This was chosen by just over 87% of the respondents.
The second popular reason was that:
" She belonged to a political party that the respondent did not
subscribe to"
This shows that the reason for not voting for women is not that
they are not capable but mostly because they do not avail
themselves. The other reason also does not have anything to do
with their capabilities but to do more with the parties they
affiliate to.
Have you ever considered standing for elections?
A surprisingly large percentage of women
responding to this survey answered in the negative
to this question. Perhaps to do with pre-perceptions
shaped by the societal upbringing of women.
52 of the women indicated that they have never
considered standing for elections while only 31
indicated having shown interest before.

Have you made an effort to pursue a political career as a woman:
Despite the 32 that had developed an interest to pursue
a Political career; only 2 respondents indicated having
made an effort before to stand.
Why have you not voted in the last three elections:
For the large majority that indicated that despite interest, they
had not made an effort a few reasons were chosen but the
following stood out as popular reasons:
Almost 24% indicated that they were still pre-occupied with
building their professional profiles.
Around 18% indicated not being both financially and
emotionally ready for politics
Another significant part of the respondents indicated that they
were still trying to identify with a political party that resonates
with their beliefs and principles or that they felt that they were
not known enough in their communities to stand for elections.
Other reasons were that they did not know where to start or felt
they were not mature enough for politics.
The least popular reasons were: the belief that politics are a man's
world or that people around them were discouraging them.
This question and the responses reflect that most of the women do
not stand because they make self-perceptions that they are not
"ripe enough" to represent communities while a few who feel ready,
take too much time trying to determine where they fit in the larger
picture. It however showed that slowly but surely, the myth that
Politics is a man's world is being erased.

If offered support, would you consider standing for elections:
To further gauge the willingness of
women to stand for elections; the survey
asked this question. A good percentage
of respondents answered on the positive
at 58%. However, the 42% that
responded on the negative is also quite
significant as it reflects the extent to
which societal norms have been
entrenched women causing them to be
far removed from pursuing politics even
with the offer of support.
More interesting opinions on Women
and Politics from Respondents:
The survey further asked the respondents to share more opinion on their thoughts regarding women and
politics and below are some of the views shared. (grammar may have been edited for opinions to read well)
"Culture and support frameworks discourage women
from taking on careers veering from traditional work
expectations"
Woman, 18-35 years, Gaborone
Women are not given the necessary support and societal
barriers discourage women. Politics is a busy profession
that requires one to be away from home
and women being homebuilders cannot afford that.
Another challenge is funding, women are economically
limited and politics needs money and money in return
for favours which women can't go into for moral
and ethical reasons
Woman, 36-55 years, Gaborone
For a long time, there has been a general
belief that politics is a form of a fraternity for
old men. It is generally a male-dominated
profession and it is always difficult to
penetrate as a woman. As a result, most
women lost interest in politics.
Woman, 18-35 years, Gaborone
Women tend to have low esteem when it
comes to political issues. It's like they don
have a stand when raising political points
Woman, 36-55 years, Goodhope

More interesting opinions on Women and Politics from Respondents:
I believe it's largely due to lack of interest. Batswana
women take up space! They show up for any job if room is created, e.g. BDF, engineering, etc. Women
who have had a real interest in politics have built rapport and won and we know them. So I believe
it's an interest issue. Most women I know who advocate for more women in politics are just that,
activists. They don't attempt themselves to run for office. I don't believe there is a swarth of women
who tried and failed, rather there are women who haven't attempted. It looks like a man's game
because the majority are men but there is evidence everywhere of Batswana women breaking down
barriers and in large numbers entering
"men spaces" of their own accord. I'm of the opinion that most just aren't
interested.
Woman, 18-35 years, Gaborone
Women are nurturers, leaders in their own right.. maybe they aren’t involved in politics simply
because they don’t want ♀ to
Woman, 18-35 years, Selibe Phikwe
Lack of self believe and belittling mentality women have towards their capabilities to lead is the
reason we have fewer women in the political space
Man, 18-35 years, Gaborone
Preference, career choice. Some people political spaces are not where their hearts are. Some would
support those in positions but behind the scenes and prefer not to be on the front. Others nd
politicking as a game, a dirty one for that matter, it kills spirits and erodes morals. The Botswana
society is patriarchal therefore support towards women in political leadership is not enough largely
because of that. Lots of stereotypes and meila which are a hindrance to the growth of women in
politics
Woman, 18-35 years, Gaborone
The survey overall reflected the line of thought that perceptions on women and politics are influenced
by societal norms. That most of the women's decision not to pursue a political career may on the surface
seem like a personal choice but digging deep, one will realise that the reason is mostly to do with how
politics are portrayed in our traditionally patriarchal society. This is a belief worth debunking.
A comprehensive, unedited report of this survey can be shared upon request.

Her Leadership: Women in Politics is an online docu-series giving an overview of women
active in various fields. This Series documents Women in Botswana’s political
environment and we see it through the lens of six women; Five (5) Politician and an Expert on
Gender Issues. Click on the name to watch from episode 1 to episode 6.
Dr Mpho M. Pheko
Dr Margaret Nasha
Ms Motamma Sesinyi-Horatius
Ms Resego Kgosidintsi
Ms Tebelelo Seretse
Dr Tjipo Portia T. Loeto
With the various narratives that have been brought to Batswana’s attention throughout the
journey to Botswana 2019 elections, it is crucial to continue educating Batswana on different
facets of politics and leadership. The web docu-series contributes to educating Batswana on
the dynamics of gender political representation and participation in Botswana. The nonpartisan
6 part-docu-series shows different perspectives from women who are Political
veterans and young women currently active in politics. These women narrate their stories,
including how their family background groomed what they have become. The Docu Series was
aired on both Facebook and Youtube on the 28th June 2021 and the last episode was
broadcasted on the 2nd of August 2021.

The DocuSeries has received quite a significant response from the public since it aired. The
feedback has been generally a positive one with most of those who commented encouraging
the Speakers and reflecting on the need to have similar conversation more often. Some of
those who commented also demonstrated hope and inspiration the docuseries gave them.
Below is just a reflection on these as at 25th September 2021:
We also generated the key words from comments to reflect how most people felt after
watching " Her Leadership".

The Comments
Below are excerpts from the comment sections

An additional survey to get meaningful feedback from the audience was conducted on the 30th
of August 2021 and the following questions were asked:
Express your overall thoughts on the series and how it captured the reality regarding women
in politics.
If thoughts lean more towards the negative what do you think was lacking?
Which Speaker did you most resonate with? Select up to 3
What did you like most about your favorite speakers?
Write down in six down or less, what went down in your mind as you were watching the series.
Would you recommend this series to anyone who wants to go for a seat in a political space.
Share any other comment you have
Gender
Only 9 of the viewers took part in this survey, however the substance of the response is worth
sharing in this situational analysis report. Below are the responses:
7 of the respondents
felt that the series was
excellent and that they
resonated with
everything that was
said. The other one felt
it was just what she
expected while the
other one thought it
could have been better,
though they enjoyed
watching it.
Below is the feedback given by the last
respondent. She felt that the series forgot
to address the emotional aspect of things
when it comes to entering the political
space.

Though the top 3
speakers for as per the
chart were; Ms Tebelelo
Seretse, Dr Margaret
Nasha and Prof. Mpho
Pheko, most of the
respondents enjoyed
listening to almost all of
the speakers and below
are some of the reasons
why they enjoyed it:
What respondents liked about the speakers:
The respondents reflected mostly on the life journeys and characteristics of the speakers when
giving feedback on this question. They loved the boldness portrayed by the speakers and the
positive attitude they carried despite challenges which they listed as faced by most women in the
political space. The fact that the speakers value the power education carries also caught the
respondents' attention. They listed the fact that the speakers were relatable as one of the things that
may encourage more women to get into the political space. The authenticity of the speakers'
personal stories is also what the respondents drew inspiration from. That one of the speakers talked
about self preservation was also of importance to the respondents.
Thoughts during and after watching the docuseries:
"What can we do to make things better? How can we as voters support women who demonstrate
capability" These are some of the questions that one of the respondents had drumming in her head
during the viewing of Her Leadership. Some respondents indicated being inspired to actually
consider politics. One respondent also reflected on the need to correct the narrative about feminism
being anti-men but pro- women and the need to have more women- sharing their stories of lifting
others as they rise so that women can also affirm the need to be each other's keeper. " I hope
feminism doesn't get painted in the light of aggression in order to catch up with the men...we should
not water down the beauty of vulnerability and nurturing that women bring" one respondent wrote.
Another wrote of the need to have support frameworks for women aspiring to enter the space.

100% of the respondents indicated
that they would recommend
anyone who wishes to enter into
this politics to watch this
docuseries.
More comments from Respondents:
While some indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed watching Her Leadership, some indicated other
areas to touch on that affect women's participation in the political space such as the role of religion.
They indicated the power that story telling carries and encouraged for similar conversations to
continue and to include more women such as Mme Botlogile Tshireletso in the conversation. Others
recommended for the conversation to be extended to the Speakers' close ones to also reflect on
their take regarding participation of their loved ones in the Political Space.
All those who responded to this
survey indicated that they were
females

"There are numerous factors put on the table when
scrutinizing a woman, she can be either too old, or too
young, or her marital status can be used against her.
An unmarried woman is labelled as a failure and
questioned on how she intends on being a leader when
she failed to have a home. The list is endless including
slut-shaming women who have either been through a
divorce or on to their second marriages" Dr. Sheila
Tlou in her interview with The WeekendPost
Newspaper
History shows that it has been a continuous
battle to get women to participate in Political
Space as demonstrated throughout this
research. Women have continued to hesitate to
come forward to stand for the highest political
positions with the few who have dared often
losing, for example, Hon. Pelonomi Venson
Moitoi who challenged the Party Presidency but
ended up losing. Read more here about how she
lost and here about how she also ultimately lost
in challenging the legitimacy of her loss in
court.
We also recently learned of Dr. Mpho Pheko who
campaigned for one of the most desired
constituencies using the Opposition card but is
now paying the highest price for her election
loss as she had some of her property being
seized after losing a court case.
Fear of Public humiliation is one of the main
reasons women would rather be in the shadows
and support and cheer for men rather than
stand for Political Positions. This fear is
perpetuated by the society we live in where
women are perceived to be home makers and
therefore cannot be national leaders.
A study by Gretchen Bauer listed four key
reasons for this waning participation of women
in the Political arena:
A Political Opening that leads to the
adoption of the electoral gender quota
Women in Botswana facing all the other
general barriers faced by women around the
world
Gatekeepers in the Political Space appear to
be unwilling to include women in the
leadership roles despite the rhetoric
Reduced activity of Womens' Movements
such as Emang Basadi
The survey done also shows that there is
therefore natural hesitation by women mostly
because of the fears and just the social
conditioning that women play better roles in
any other spaces than the Political one.
There is, therefore, a need to resuscitate the
very Proactive Women's Movements where
willing women can be nurtured and capacitated
in their journey to stand for Political Leadership
Positions. An enabling environment is also very
important and can only be possible if women
speak up in one voice.
The question remains though, do we have a
new crop of daring women willing to challenge
the status quo come 2024?