06 Apr 2025

With the clock ticking ahead of elections scheduled for April 26 in Letlhakane, Botswana National Front (BNF) women’s league lobby, Team Maatla, has unveiled its manifesto with gender-based violence (GBV) topping the list of priority areas.

Speaking at a press briefing in Gaborone recently, presidential candidate Ms Monica Molome said GBV was at the forefront because it had become an issue of national interest, with cases being recorded each week. This she said highlighted the need for the team to engage experts to develop a robust plan to address this situation. She said women faced many challenges, which compelled the team to devise a plan that could contribute to saving women from GBV, not only those under BNF, but from all corners of Botswana.

To fulfil the promises in the manifesto, Ms Molome stressed the need for transparency, engaging the media to disseminate information to the masses, who would hold them accountable in the future if they failed to deliver on their promises. 

She added that the plan included enrolling programs aimed at educating and empowering women, reaching even the most remote areas of the country, as it had come to their attention that women in urban areas were often more privileged. Empowered with life skills, she said women would achieve financial independence and inspired others, because many women endured hardships due to a lack of financial empowerment and support.

Maatla, which means “strength,” highlights the power of women she said. Ms Molome mentioned that the manifesto also addresses political representation, citing that only a few women currently occupy council seats. Therefore, the women’s league was advocating for a levelled playing field.

She stated that her team, if given the opportunity, would ensure that by 2029, they field more women in contests, reaching very remote areas. Prior to that, women will be empowered with leadership skills to position them as eligible candidates as government pushed for job creation.

Among other issues, the team supported developing international partnerships to protect and promote the global monetisation of local creative content, as well as fostering collaborations between government agencies and private sector players to drive innovation and economic growth.

Although it’s commonly believed that women were their own enemies, organising secretary, Ms Kedibonye Batlang said BNF always encouraged women to work together and stand united under Umbrella for Democratic Change in their quest to move forward.

In forming Team Maatla, which will compete against two other teams for a 16-member group to fill various positions in the women’s league, Ms Batlang said they traveled across the country scouting for women, hence why their team comprised individuals from different constituencies.

In her welcome remarks, Secretary General, Ms Sadi Moremong said the manifesto encompassed key ideas that shape the women’s league; emphasising inclusivity, transparency, accountability and the importance of listening to women’s voices across when develop solutions to the problems they face. ENDS