WOMEN EMPOWERMENT Part of the main FES principle is to ensure that gender issues are addressed across the whole spectrum of its programme. Accordingly, FES is actively collaborating with various women organisations in Botswana. Though women organisations have been active in Botswana since the early 1980s, it was only during the 1994 elections that political issues were brought forward by the women’s movement. Today Botswana has numerous organisations and institutions dedicated to the aim of equal rights for both men and women in this country. Emang Basadi Women's Association is a non-profit organisation committed to the principles of equality, justice and peace. It formally came into existence in 1986 with the broad aim of influencing changes in all aspects of life in Botswana. FES has supported numerous political debates organised by Emang Basadi to discuss and promote women's issues in policy making. A spin-off from Emang Basadi, the Botswana Caucus of Women in Politics (BCWP), was formed by women active in politics from all parties in Botswana. BCWP is a non-partisan organisation formed to provide a forum for solidarity and support, as well as a united voice on gender issues. This is achieved through training, research, lobbying and networking for politically active women. In 2003 and 2004 FES - with the financial support of the British High Commission and the Department of International Development (DFID) - assisted the BCWP to organise training workshops for potential political candidates in party primaries and then organised a series of Leadership Development workshops with all female primary winners. From the very conceptual beginnings to its final official launch in November 2003, FES accompanied the formation of the Botswana Media Women Association (BOMWA). The Women's Affairs Department (WAD) of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs was partner in organising a conference on “Women and their Impact in 40 Years of Independence“ in September 2006. At present FES is assisting WAD in the national consultations for the regional SADC Gender Protocol. Top of the page
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