A new report by the World Bank has warned that persistent gender disparities in Botswana could undermine the country’s long-term economic growth despite notable progress in education and health.
Titled “Trends and Opportunities to Advance Gender Equality in Botswana”, the report highlights how structural barriers – including limited access to finance, unequal labour market participation and entrenched social norms – continue to disproportionately affect women and youth.
These inequalities, the bank says, restrict Botswana’s ability to fully harness its human capital and economic potential.
World Bank country director Satu Kahkonen said although women constitute the bulk of university graduates, their participation in the formal economy remains significantly lower than men’s.
“Women now account for 57 percent of university graduates and Botswana has significantly expanded access to maternal health services, with most births taking place in health facilities. However, persistent gaps in women’s economic participation limit the country’s growth potential,” Kahkonen said.
The report outlines five strategic priorities to accelerate gender parity. These include boosting women’s representation in decision-making and legal frameworks; mainstreaming gender across government planning and budgeting; and strengthening prevention and support systems for gender-based violence.
Other proposed measures include improving early childhood education and health outcomes; and closing wage and productivity gaps in employment and entrepreneurship.
Despite gains in maternal health and legal reforms, the report notes that maternal mortality remains high at 131 deaths per 100,000 live births and HIV prevalence among women stands at 26 percent – nearly double that of men.
In addition, one in 10 girls becomes pregnant before age 20, making early pregnancy the leading cause of school dropout.
JN/APA