By Helen Manyeneng
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Women
Yesterday, the eyes of the nation were on the grand opening of our Legislative Meeting. It was a visual celebration of our true democracy; the cameras captured the vibrant colours of our attire and the dignity of our procession. But as the carpets are rolled away, we must confront the sobering reality of the task before us.
Yesterday was not merely about the glamor of a new meeting, but the gravity of the work that must now begin. For the next several weeks, this Parliament will be the battleground for the future of Botswana. In the questions we ask, the motions we table, and the lives we transform. Every seat in our National Assembly represents the hopes, the anxieties, and the daily struggles of Batswana. When we sit in that chamber, we carry the weight of the youth searching for meaningful economic opportunities, families navigating the rising cost of living and communities waiting for equitable development, reliable services and justice.
As Deputy Speaker, my commitment is to ensure that this meeting is defined by rigorous debate, accountability and a relentless focus on the issues that matter.
Elevating the Agenda of Women and the Girl Child
As Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Women, I am acutely aware that our democracy remains incomplete until the voices of women and girls are not just heard, but acted upon.
Women are the backbone of Botswana’s economy, yet they continue to bear the brunt of systemic inequalities, GBV and economic exclusion. During this Legislative Meeting, the women in Parliament, across all political divides, stand united. We are not here to occupy space,we are here to shift power. We will use this platform to champion targeted legislative protections to end the scourge of gender-based violence. We will champion economic policies that deliberately empower women-led enterprises and secure financial independence for rural women. Most importantly, we also be a torch-bearer for educational and health initiatives that safeguard the dignity and future of the girl child. This session must, and will, showcase that the cries of our women and girls are not background noise, they are our legislative priority.
Our Standing Order of Duty
To Batswana, this Parliament is your house. The motions we pass and the laws we debate belong to you. I invite you to engage with us, hold us accountable and demand the progress you deserve.
To my fellow Parliamentarians, the public gallery is watching and history is recording. Let us rise above partisan division and personal ambition. Let us debate with passion, but decide with patriotism.
In terms of Standing Order 30, once the formal announcements are complete, we must proceed to the daily routine of business. The red carpet has been cleared. The stage is set. Now, let the real work begin.
