Introduction
This is one of the landlocked nations that border Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia. The dominant language spoken in Botswana is the Set swana. Botswana was colonized by the British government and attained its independence in 1966 (Dollar, David and Roberta 11). The country appreciates and respects non-ethnic citizenship; it also promotes the concept of liberal democracy among its citizens. Women empowerment or the place of a woman has not only been a major issue of discussion in Botswana, but also in other parts of Africa. In most African nations, women do not possess equal socio-economic opportunities as men compared to other developed nations (Dollar, David and Roberta 11). Historical events and other cultural perspectives are some of the major factors that have had significant influence on the manner in which women are treated in different nations. However, research shows that the manner in which women were treated in the past compared to the current place of women in the society has changed tremendously (Dollar, David and Roberta 13). This paper examines historical events and cultural background that affect women in the contemporary Botswana society.
Historical Events and Cultural Background that affect Women Nowadays in Botswana
According to Fidelis Nkomazana, the cultural and traditional mode of governance in Botswana has been biased towards women. In her argument, she mentions that the place of women in Botswana is socially constructed in a similar manner in that women are culturally and socially perceived as subordinate to men (Nkomozana 1). In fact, women are also considered relatively less able than their male counterparts. In this regard, women in Botswana tend to play menial responsibility in the conventional society. Historically, women in the pre-Christian Botswana were considered inferior to their male counterparts. Historical evidence shows that during traditional feasts and gatherings, the manner in which Botswana men and women were treated was different. For example, men were awarded better receptions during traditional gatherings; certain posts such as the Kgotla were specifically allocated for men (Nkomozana 4).
Historically, the political field was also considered a male-only arena; only men acted as chiefs or village leaders and participated in major economic activities. Labor has also been divided in accordance to gender or sex. Female roles were also viewed as less essential compared to the roles that were played by men in the pre-Christian Botswana Society. Besides, historical evidence shows that women were excluded from political discussions or engaging in pertinent political functions (Nkomozana 4). Even though the issue of gender equality has received tremendous attention in the current Botswana society characterized with a lot of women assuming major economic and political role, the current Botswana Political environment is still male dominated. Most of the key political seats and positions in the current Botswana society are still occupied by men. Certain sociologists have associated this incidence with the country’s political history that was associated with male dominance (Nkomozana 6).
A research performed by Rober Moffat in the early 1990’s among the Botswana people shows that building and construction of mud huts was the dominant duty of women (Nkomozana 6). Women were considered responsible for digging mud-house foundation; besides, women were responsible for fetching grass as well as performing the thatching process. The participation of women in the current construction sector is still evident in Botswana; a lot of women have assumed a central role in modern construction projects. In fact, certain development stakeholders have associated the rapid modern architectural developments in Botswana with the active participation of women.
Botswana men were predominantly hunters and gatherers; women on the other hand, had the responsibility of implementing agricultural production. Robert Moffat in his earlier observation noted many Botswana women working in agricultural farms with their babies strapped across their backs. In his observation, he indicates that a lot of women were responsible for plough using oxen and performed the harvesting process. Many women remained in the rural areas even as urbanization increased in the early and late 1990’s. Currently, women in the rural Botswana still practice essential roles in agricultural productivity; a significant number of men tend to migrate into major cities with an intention of securing white collar jobs. Current rural Botswana women grow crops such as millet, beans, sorghum, and maize; they also keep small stock of cattle for milk production.
As mentioned earlier, cultural and traditional status quo in Botswana have a clear distinction between the roles performed by a man and a woman’s role. Sociologists have indicated that there are certain cultural limitations which ensure that men and women do not trespass one another in accordance to the boundaries of their roles. A man seen performing the responsibility of a woman would be considered a bewitched individuals; however, the perception is not as bad among women, hence, many women can engage in male dominated activities (Dobson 7). Perhaps this is one of the reasons a significant number of women have assumed important roles in the current Botswana socio-economic and political activities. The number of women engaging in Botswana political arena is steadily increasing.
Research shows that Botswana is one of the countries that has been most affected by HIV globally; women are the most affected population compared to men (HIV and AIDS in Botswana). Certain stakeholders attribute the high prevalence of HIV among Botswana women with cultural perspectives; that is, the culture of male dominance over women that has had significant effect in the spread of HIV among women. Male dominance over women in Botswana has been associated with increasing the vulnerability of women to HIV infection. A research performed among female sex workers indicated that more than 60 percent of women engaging in commercial sex are physically forced to engage in unprotected sex by their male partners (HIV and AIDS in Botswana). The culture of male dominance in Botswana has been seen as an aspect of unequal citizenship and has been tremendously contested by many developmental organizations.
Conclusion
Botswana just like any other African country has experienced a high level of inequality between men and women. Historical events and cultural dynamics are some of the major factors that have had significant effects on gender inequality in Botswana; historically, women were regarded as inferior against their male counterparts. The role played by men, that is, hunting and gathering was considered more pertinent against the agricultural and child bearing roles of Botswana women. Besides, culture has influenced that manner which the Botswana women is perceived in the society i.e. men were awarded the highest level of respect in the pre-Christian Botswana society. Some of these cultural and historical events have affected the place of the Botswana woman in the current society. For example, women have not occupied most political and economic positions compared to men. Besides, A significant number of agricultural activities in the rural regions are performed by women while many men have migrated to the urban centers to seek white collar jobs.
Even though there is a clear gap between men and women in terms of their roles in the current Botswana community, it is important to acknowledge that through civil rights movements and activism, the gender gap is gradually decreasing. More than 50 percent of Botswana Households are currently headed by women. The reduction of the gender gap is attributed to Western Education and the need to promote a modern economy. The Botswana government has also created avenues for women to enhance their positions through income generation as well as political representation. In 1999, several women representatives were elected into the Botswana National Assembly; this is considered a major improvement in the fight to encourage gender equality (HIV and AIDS in Botswana).
Works Cited
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Dollar, David, and Roberta Gatti. Gender inequality, income, and growth: are good times good for women?. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Development Research Group, The World Bank, 1999.
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