Summit 2016: Maun Administrative Authority

Botswana’s tourism capital lies on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta, and still, despite recent modernisations, carries the feeling of a dusty, frontier town. For many tourists, Maun is the point of entry into the Delta, and often into Botswana, with direct flights from both Johannesburg and Gaborone.Maun is the administrative centre of Ngamiland District and the seat of power of the Batawana people.Ngamiland District comprises a fascinating variety of ethnic groups: the Hambukushu, Basubiya and Bayei – all of central African origins, who know the Okavango intimately.

The council has put in place a number of gender-related policies to guide its work. The district council consist of 23 male councillors and 3 female councillors. The council aims to expand its percentage of female councillors from 12%. The Mayor, as well as the Deputy Mayor of the council are males.

The council is made up of 10 committees, one of which is chaired by woman. There are more women employed than men in their Workforce of the council.

Young people, people living with disabilities (PWD) and community members participate in community-based planning projects and meetings. Between 26 and 50 percent, women participate in public consultations.

The total workforce of the council employees consist of 54 percent women, and 14 percent youth. Women are only 11 of management. The accounting and revenue officers are women. The Council amended the recruitment, selection and promotion policies to increase the proportion of women in the workforce. Opportunities are equally given to all employees however both selection and recruitment to decision making positions are done by the DPSM and recommendations by the Chief Executive Officer.

There are provisions for maternity leave but none for paternity leave. The council does not have a sexual harassment policy. Cases related to Sexual harassment, all cases are reported with the Human Resource department and they follow the stipulated procedures in addressing grievances of employees.

The Maun Administrative Authority allocates a substantial budget to gender-related projects, these amounts have increased from 2015 to 2016.

As part of the of the Council’s local economic development plan, W omen, men PLWD and youth are given equal opportunities in the allocation of stands in market places. There are 700 beneficiaries benefiting from jobs created by the council, 364 women and 336 men.

Click here to read more about Maun Administrative Authority