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'Women in Politics' workshop held in Gaborone

British High Commissioner to Botswana Katy Ransome recently hosted a 'Women in Politics' workshop at her Residence.

Ms Botlogile Tshireletso

The workshop, which was attended by representatives from political parties and NGOs interested in uplifting women in politics, was a follow up to a two-day workshop held in September 2015, which helped identify the stumbling blocks that hinder women from ascending to the highest political offices.

The Honourable Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso , a staunch politician who has defied the odds to get to Parliament charged women to take ownership of their dreams and not wait for anyone to validate their dreams. She reiterated that 10% of women in Parliament cannot be acceptable.

Part of the recommendations from the workshop included a nationwide campaign; review of party structures and constitutions; training and mentoring. Participants agreed that voter education on the value of your vote was important in their fight as women to ascend to high political office.

Participants concluded that in order for them to progress, it needs collective effort and they all pledged to engage in various activities in an effort to transfer knowledge gained from the workshop.

The workshop is a build-up of Women in Politics training projects to be undertaken countrywide in the current financial year across all parties.

Published 23 June 2016