At the Coalface – Gender and Local Government in Botswana

This report is part of the second phase of the research project that led to the Gender Links (GL) publication: At the Coalface: Gender and Local Government in Southern Africa. The aim of the second phase is to extend the research on gender and local government to all of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.   The first phase of the research was conducted in four countries: Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa.

The research conducted in Botswana in 2008 involved 59 councillors in 5 localities participated in interviews and 48 women and men in focus group meetings.   Their views and voices bring this report to life and vividly illustrate the importance of local government in the governance of the country, and why gender should be at the heart of this process

The evidence gathered in this research shows that even in their small numbers women in Botswana bring different perspectives and interests to local governance, and demonstrate a high level of commitment. They are concerned about every day issues À“ safety and security, education, infrastructure development. People appreciate their hard work, accessibility, empathy and strong community ties. Both male and female councillors were unanimous that more women are needed to make development and democracy at local government level vibrant and real.