Dorcas Makgatho has retained her position as the chairperson of Botswana Democratic Party women’s wing.
She was unopposed.
She came out victorious at the party’s elective congress in Maun on Saturday which had a total of 524 electoral delegates from across the country.
The position of assistant chairman was snatched by Veronicah Lesole, while Neo Maruapula was elected Secretary General, deputized by Bridget Mavuma; Orifitlhetse Masire was elected treasurer, deputized by Peal Markus of the North West region.
Talitha Monnakgotla, Banyana Segwe, Tlotlano Pillar, Meciah Sebonaphe, Ellen Shoro, Marula Diau, Kgomotso Seduke, Pinny Morupisi, Tiny Diloko, and Lillian Sethula filled the positions of additional members.
Makgatho said the new committee will work at ensuring most specifically that the number of women representation in parliament, council and elsewhere is increased.
She noted that they will also deal with issues of defilement, gender based violence and many others which are of great concern to women and children as they are seen as the most vulnerable group.
She said women trendsetters such as former minister Gaositwe Chiepe will continue to inspire women across all sectors, even those outside the BDP say her rise to the legislation years ago has paved a way for women, most of who are now in high positions of power, even though their numbers still do not match their male counterparts in same positions.
“Those of us who are already in this bandwagon owe it to pioneers like Chiepe and many who came after her. We have a lot to learn from these women torch bearers and we will forever appreciate them even in years to come.
My committee has the desire and much willingliness to learn from them as well as other previous women’s committees”, said Makgatho.
She added “The support I get from you is so overwhelming that at times I run out of words to explain just how happy I am to work with you. We need to be extra careful not to let gender define our ability. Having more men in power shouldn’t be an impediment or determinant because it is how we deliver and depict ourselves that matters. So let’s continue walking tall and hold our heads even higher for the betterment of the development of our country”.
Makgatho shared President Khama’s sentiments that as the party mother body, party structures should be empowered because they have it in their plans to move the party to great lengths. And with the right tools and support, she said they will work extremely hard as their willpower is beyond measure.
