Mainstreaming Gender In The University Of Botswana's Structures: The Case Of Faltering Commitment
Keywords:
GPPC, University of Botswana, leadership, faltering commitment, GenderAbstract
This article assessed the efforts made by the University of Botswana to mainstream gender in its critical structures in accordance with its Gender Policy and Programs Committee (GPPC) and Botswana's National Gender Program Framework. Despite the commendable efforts initiated by University of Botswana in mainstreaming gender, the commitment to radically transform critical structures and actualise gender policy goals along a gender sensitive perspective is disappointingly weak. A host of reasons are used to account for this institutional lethargy. It is suggested that comprehensive institutional gender machinery should be established at University of Botswana failing which the resolve to advance gender equality would remain a tantalising mirage. The paper also recommends specific actions that should be taken to enable the GPPC to manufacture the requisite conditions for successful and impactful gender mainstreaming.
References
Government of Botswana (1995). Policy on Women in Development. Gaborone: Ministry of Labour
and Home Affairs.
Botswana Government and UNDP (1999). Report on the Mainstreaming Project with the four
ministries. Gaborone: Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.
Chwaane, Thato (2007). Inequality rife at University of Botswana. Mmegi, 5 December p3.
Chilisa B., Tshekoa N. and Burzell F. (2002). National Workshop on Mainstreaming Gender Into
HIV/AIDS Initiatives. Gaborone, Botswana.
Dipogiso, Kealeboga (2007). Prohibiting politics at University of Botswana deletes student Power.
Mmegi. 7 August. P6.
Hadjor., K. B. (1987). On Transforming Africa: Discourse with Africa's Leaders. Trenton: Africa
World Press.
Government of Botswana. (n.d). Long Term Vision for Botswana: Towards prosperity for all.
Gaborone: Government Printer.
Lynd, S. (1983). Father and Son: Intellectual Work Outside the University. Social Policy, 23 (3), 4-
Mathiba, M. N. (1996). An Assessment of the Utilisation of the Services of the Counselling Centre
at the University of Botswana (unpublished Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of
the Bachelor of Social Work Degree). Gaborone: University of Botswana.
Mazwiduma, Serwalo (2008 January 25). Sex for grades scam blankets at University of Botswana.
Mmegi, p3.
Mbigi, L. (2005). The Spirit of African Leadership. Randburg: Knowres Publishing.
Government of Botswana (2003). Report on the Pilot Project on Gender mainstreaming (2002-
. Gaborone: Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.
Mokone, O. (2009 October 14). Sex education off the hook. The Telegraph Newspaper, p17.
Motaung, O. (2006). Awareness of Sexual Harassment on Campus: A case of the University of
Botswana. Unpublished Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the Bachelor of Social
Degreeto University of Botswana, Gaborone.
Nasser Martin and Vivier F. (1995). Mindset for the New Generation Organisation. Cape Town:
Juta and Co.
Nyirenda, Martin (2006 July 6). Minister Reiterates government's Commitment to Women: Mmegi,
Onyeani, C. (1990). The capitalist Nigger: The Road to Success. New York Timbuktu Pulishers.
Raditlhokwa, L. (1994, 23 February). University of Botswana female students forced to back seat
by male colleagues. Botswana Gazette. .
Raditlhokwa, L. (2007, 4 April). University of Botswana females, a political disgrace. Midweek
Sun, p8.
Selabe, Kagiso (2009, 2 September). Women's thighs will be tables on which marks will be
negotiated. University of Botswana Horizon (Newspaper), p15.
Sebina, Tiro (2007, 12 October). University of Botswana: An extension of state apparatus. Mmegi,
p23
Silvoso, E. (2006). Anointed for Business: How to use your influence in the marketplace to change
the world. Ventura: Regal Books.
Taylor, V. (1999). Gender Management in Development Planning: A Reference Manual for
Governments and Other Stakeholders. London: Commonwealth Secretariat.
Tidimane, C. (2005). Sexual Harassment: The Implementation, Challenges and the Impact of the
Sexual Harassment Policy at the University of Botswana. In Jane Bennet (ed.) Killing a
Virus with Stones? Research on the Implementation of Policies against Sexual Harassment
in Southern African Higher Education. Cape Town: African Gender Institute.
University of Botswana (n.d) Gender Policy and Programs Committee. Gaborone: University of
Botswana.
University of Botswana (2004-2005). University of Botswana Academic Calendar. Gaborone:
Printing and Printing and Publishing Botswana.
