Community

Mothata is a very important person in the community, because he is a male care worker. Some people find that strange, but they come to him in big numbers, because they want to know how he managed to be so active on gender issues.

Working with Gender Links was a wakeup call for Macolese Setaka. Gender Links made things which seemed impossible to achieve very possible and achievable. With Gender Links, she learned to love her job as a councillor. The most memorable moment was when Gender Links staff came to enlighten them about Gender issues, which was a topic that was never raised due to the culture and norms of the council. Her most significant moment was when she realised that, as a woman leader, she can stand in the presence of men and women to tell them about gender issues.

“Sanitation should not only be a woman thing, basically I want to bring the men aboard as well”. With woman and men working hand in hand Fred believes that a lot of improvements can be done in the sanitation area which would save many lives.

Banda believes 100 per cent that it is her role as a journalist to contribute to making a difference to women’s lives. She says part of her role is to inform and educate, and in the process, be able to make a difference in the lives of many women. “Members of the public look up to the media not only for information, education and entertainment but also for some kind of inspiration. The public can use the media as a vehicle to convey their views on various issues,” Banda said. She urged media practitioners to view their jobs as a calling which they can use to improve lives in their communities and make the world a better place for all. Banda says change in one person’s life can inspire others to make their own lives better, and can create hope in other people; there is a ripple effect.

Eunice Mguni, a Gaborone councillor representing Phakalane, said that initially her family was unsupportive because “they were worried about how people would view her,” and also because of the financial toll this would have on the family. However, now they are fully supportive; they have seen the many initiatives she has been involved with, and this has brought them on board.

Neo Kesenogile, BDP Councillor Kweneng District Council, acknowledged that the bad attitude of male colleagues in council can be intimidating and because they outnumber women they can attack them with impunity unless they get protection from the chairperson of the council. However, with the support of other women and experience, confidence levels increase.