Gender and Social Security

Abstract

Gender equality is a core development and human rights issue. Throughout the world, emphasis is now being placed on eliminating all forms of harmful social-cultural, economic and political barriers that prevent women from participating fully in development. The Government of Botswana instituted a National Policy on Women and Development in 1996 to facilitate the promotion of gender equality. The adoption of this policy marked a major milestone in recognizing the important role of women in decision-making. Gender focal persons were then appointed in each Ministry to facilitate the integration of gender issues in the national development process. The analysis of gender and social security is made within the context of these developments. The chapter argues that while various institutional reforms and best practices have been put in place to address equal rights for men and women, a paradigm shift must be adopted to remove existing disparities. The chapter acknowledges that the provision of educational opportunities for girls has contributed significantly to the reduction of gender inequalities in formal employment. Addressing gender dimensions in the informal labour market, the chapter demonstrates that, similar to other SADC countries, women in Botswana dominate in this sector. It argues that this sector could increase productivity and open up new job opportunities if women were given adequate skills, credit facilities, land with better infrastructure and transport. The chapter submits that, when it comes to social security coverage, women in the formal sector are disadvantaged compared with their counterparts in the formal market.