Botswana remains committed to the principle of elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women (updated)

Through a firm commitment to eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, Botswana vows to step it up. It's National Policy on Gender and Development will serve as a springboard for implementing the gender equality goal in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and all other goals to improve the dignity and status of women. The National Gender-Based Violence Strategy 2015–2020 will guide multiple, integrated actions to eliminate gender-based violence. A men’s sector under the ministry responsible for gender will engage men as critical partners in promoting gender equality.

Speaking at the Global Leaders' Meeting on 27 September 2015, Vice-President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi said: “I wish to reaffirm Botswana’s unwavering commitment to the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment.”

Developments since Botswana’s commitment

Botswana continues to recognize gender equality as central to socio-economic, political, and cultural development through its National Vision 2036.

Following the adoption of the National Policy on Gender and Development in 2015, the National Gender Commission was established in September 2016, to monitor the implementation of the policy.

To strengthen its Women Economic Empowerment Programme, Botswana has committed additional resources in 2017/2018 by increasing its budget from USD 2.5 million to USD 5.5 million.

The Government is also piloting a Gender-based Violence Referral System, which puts in measures to assist survivors who report the crime.

Moreover, the country is taking measures to address discriminatory laws in the country in order to fulfill its obligations under CEDAW, with new legislation in this regard expected to conclude by December 2017.