Botswana has been lauded as a true 'shining example of democracy in Africa', but when it comes to empowering women in politics the country is like most other African states. In fact it's even worse - with little improvement since independence in 1965.
While the number of women holding key positions in the private sector and government parastatals has increased over the years, the same cannot be said of the number of women holding positions in politics.
It is no surprise - although still shocking - that in the 2009 general elections, the country's two largest political parties, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF), each fielded just three female candidates even though there are 57 constituencies. The third largest party, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), was slightly more progressive, putting up four female candidates!
Read more on All Africa, published 29. Nov
Botswana has been lauded as a true 'shining example of democracy in Africa', but when it comes to empowering women in politics the country is like most other African states. In fact it's even worse - with little improvement since independence in 1965.
While the number of women holding key positions in the private sector and government parastatals has increased over the years, the same cannot be said of the number of women holding positions in politics.
It is no surprise - although still shocking - that in the 2009 general elections, the country's two largest political parties, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF), each fielded just three female candidates even though there are 57 constituencies. The third largest party, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), was slightly more progressive, putting up four female candidates!
Read more on All Africa, published 29. Nov