THE SADC REGIONAL GENDER PROTOCOL SUMMIT 2014 NAME

THE SADC REGIONAL GENDER PROTOCOL SUMMIT 2014 NAME OF GOOD PRACTICE: Building a Gender Responsive Community PRESENTER’S NAME: DIKELEDI MONANG DATE: 26 th- 29 th MAY 2014 VENUE: KOPANONG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

SYNOPSIS � Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC) started the COE process in February 2010, where an Action Plan was drawn. Other Achievements: Ø Selebi Phikwe Town Council now has strong gender structures: � In December 2012 Council during a full Council meeting - representation of gender committee in Council monthly management meetings (Gender adopted the Gender Action Plan and signed the Champion(M) who is a manager and a Gender Focal Statement of Commitment. Person (F) who is a middle manager) � SPTC has covered all COE stages. Ø The gender objectives are prioritized in the chief executive and staff Annual Performance Plans. � Since 2012 the Council annually participates in the SADC Ø SPTC has 2 woman and 8 men in top Management Local Government SUMMITS. position. Gender mainstreaming is one of council top priorities. Management fully supports Gender . � In 2013 the COE Project scooped the best improved COE position at the Botswana Local Government SUMMIT and Ø Mayor , Deputy Mayor, Town Clerk & two a runner up position as Best Improved COE at the SADC deputies are all men. Regional SUMMIT in Johannesburg. Ø There is a consolidated Gender Action Plan � In March 2014 the COE Project scooped first position at the SADC Local Government District SUMMIT in Ø There is Selebi Phikwe Gender Policy Francistown.

SYNOPSIS Continued…. . Ø There is more sensitization of community on Gender Action Plan and GBV issues via commemorations. -The staff and political wing were less sensitive of gender equality issues and -the community at large was not aware of gender issues in town. -The town gender committee was not working closely together and community not aware of its existence and mandate. Ø The Council’s signed Statement of Commitment -This has been printed, framed and put up in all heads of department’s offices, chief executive and his two deputies offices, Mayor’s office, Gender champion and gender focal person’s offices and public places within council. -This is for purpose of raising more awareness within council and as a reminder to the commitment made. Ø Information disseminated to Council staff through wellness meetings; this was done as well during the 16 days of activism against violence on women and children. This gave them a platform to air their views on the subject and share experiences thus getting involved in gender issues.

OBJECTIVES �To Bring all important stakeholders together to drive the gender agenda as a united front. �To build a gender sensitive community. �To mainstream gender issues in planning processes. �To Provide gender sensitive services e. g. social infrastructure. �To eradicate gender based violence. �To increase ratio of women in leadership and decision making positions. �For equal Participation in economic activities by men and women. �To Create employment opportunities for women in conventionally male domain. �To ensure equitable productive resource ownership. �To Intensify public education. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

BACKGROUND • Council’s main priority was on issues of anticorruption, Wellness and (Work Improvement Teams) WITS across departments. Now It has prioritized gender and it is the only report that is directly reported to management and not sub committees due to the management’s ownership of it. � The Council used to hold no gender specific activities but now annually holds the events that are internationally recognized, such as 16 days of activism against GBV, International Women’s Day. � There were no Gender meetings and officers did not attend as no coordinating committee existed. � Hon. Councillor Dorcus Letlhogela a leader in � Council Quote: Our Council used to be very silent on Gender Issues, the only department that held such issues was that of Social and Community Development but now it is quite pleasing to note that all departments are involved. Public meetings and activities were held where gender issues did not form part of the agenda as now is the case. Members of community were not informed on gender issues especially leadership positions in ward development committees that women should vote each others to be in executive committees of ward committees. Ms. Phemelo Nthwane Resident of Leseding ward Quote: I am very excited that the Council is now mainstreaming gender in its services. The election of Ward Development Committees was different in 2013 due to sensitization of community on gender equality. For the first time 9 women were elected in my ward and only 1 man. The executive chairperson is now a woman too. She is a good leader too. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

KEY ACTIVITIES • -Sensitization of different groups within community on gender issues and GBV • -Economic empowerment activities geared towards assistance of unemployed women within the communities • -Specific workshops coined for capacity building of staff and leaders • -Caregivers (who are women) in palliative care program that cares for the sick in their homes work closely with family welfare educators from clinics in town. • -Drafting of policies that promote gender equality. • -Commemoration of international days on gender such as; 16 days of activism against women and children through various activities, ccommemoration of the June 16 event. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS Amount local Amount in Rand currency (BWP) Gender specific allocation 36 400. 00 Gender in mainstream projects : -Community Home Based Care -Orphan & Vulnerable Children -Destitution -Poverty Eradication -Ipelegeng Programme Amount contributed in cash or in kind by partner organisations: 1 590 037. 70 3 576 665. 54 1 814 620. 00 750 850. 00 12 246 960. 00 Sub Total =19 979 133. 24 -Contribution by Gender Affairs Department during International Women’s Day 3 000. 00 Commemoration -Stationery from NGO (Silence Kills) 200. 00 -Public Address Sound System by BDF (Botswana Defence Force) -Bread by local food caterer 1500. 00 300. 00 Sub Total = 5000. 00 TOTAL 20 020 533. 24 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS Continued Specific Gender Budget ; There is no specific budget for gender. However, an amount of P 36 400. 00 was used by Council to undertake all gender activities that had been planned for the year 2013/14 (from April 2013 to March 2014), which included: -Press/ Media Brief on Selebi Phikwe Gender Committee Launch -Launch Activity of Selebi Phikwe Gender Committee -16 days of Activism - male involvement Panel discussion -2 day Climate Change Impact on Gender Workshop -Staff trips outside district attending Gender programmes Participants @ Climate Change Impact Workshop -International Women’s day Gender in mainstream projects such as; v Community Home Based Care (CHBC) Patients are catered for in supply of Food baskets, clothing and transport fees for doctor’s visits. They are also assisted with vegetable gardens. The programme is financed at P 1 590 037. 70 No. of Female involved =13 No. of male involved = 4 v Orphans & Vulnerable Children are catered for supply of Food baskets, clothing, transport fees, and rentals. The programme is financed at P 3, 576, 665. 54 for 653 children. 304=(M) &349=(F) CHBC vegetable garden project : Council employees doing community service

RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS continued v Destitution Programme; Caters for destitute persons and their children, They are assisted with shelter, food baskets, exemption of children’s school fees, school uniforms and transport fares. Budget is at Poverty eradication sewing project P 1 814 620. 00 No. Of females: 171 No. Of males: 73 v The Poverty Eradication – Alternative packages is allocated P 750 850. 00 No. of Projects: 25 No. Of female beneficiaries=67 No. Of male beneficiaries=2 v Ipelegeng programme; caters for labour intensive work, construction work. This employs community members who are unemployed. Budget allocation is at P 12 246 960. 00 No. Of females involved=7009 No. Of males involved = 971 No. Of youth involved = 4433; F=3910 and M=523 Ipelegeng labour intensive program Ipelegeng Maintenance project

CHALLENGES � Lack of specific budget for gender This is being addressed by submitting a costed plan of activities to management and virements are made to cater for gender needs. � Unemployment and Poverty A good number of programmes are in place to address this such as Ipelegeng, Poverty Eradication, Home Skills training courses and Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy that empowers informal businesses. � Awareness, Attitudes, Gender Stereotypes This is being addressed through vigorous public education in kgotla meetings, consultation forums on various developmental issues, twantsho-borukutlhi cluster groups etc. � Selebi Phikwe as a mining town faces cases of GBV The town is experiencing some GBV cases due to relationships of some women cohabiting with some mine workers and some Soldiers. The police together with Social workers address these cases. Public campaigns against GBV are held to sensitize residents of Selebi Phikwe. GBV cases

RESULTS: SERVICE DELIVERY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: • Three Women have benefited from Council outsource program when it privatized three of its Day Care Centre structures. Three women won these tenders in March 2013 and now operate their businesses in the premises. The tenders were floated and equal opportunity was afforded both women and men to compete. The centres are operated according to set standards of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECC &E) Policy and Council Byelaws. Council gives support to them in terms of monitoring and inspections in overall operations to ascertain compliance and quality. SHHA (Self Help Housing Agency) turn key housing: The programme caters for both women and men in the low income bracket. They identify house plans they want and then houses are built for them and handed over to them upon completion. They pay back loans at a very minimum interest rate. 61 households have been served through the program being: 26 males and 35 women. COUNCIL ABBATTOIR: Council operates an abattoir that services all local butcheries weekly. This is to ensure that meat that residents consume is of good quality and will not poison people thus deteriorating their health. Council consulted all the 42 owners (12 women and 30 men) of local butcheries on the slaughter roaster so as to make sure there is smooth way of servicing them all since the abattoir operates from 0730 hrs to 1630 hrs. Butchery owners made a schedule that suits them well.

EVIDENCE OF CHANGE IN SERVICE DELIVERY 1) Mrs. Matshidiso J. Tselaesele – Owner & Director of El Shaddai Day Care Centre Quote: I have greatly benefitted from the Council day care centre building as I now run my own centre that is in a purposely built structure and complies with required standards. The quality of service I get from Council is very good and I also give parents and children high quality from my private centre. 2) Abattoir : Owner of Butchery satisfied by service, Mr J. G. Brink Quote: We greatly benefit from the abattoir and sell fresh meat to the community. 3) SHHA (Self Help Housing Agency) turn key housing Mr and Mrs Lesego Thapelo of Mekorong ward. Quote: We are very happy that Council enabled us to own a habitation and raise our children in a more conducive environment than before when we were renting smaller premises. Meat in a butchery Mr. & Mrs. Thapelo Council Abattoir, Animals for slaughter

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Women have been empowered in different income generating projects under the: � Rehabilitation: Destitute persons are screened and those who are able bodied are enrolled in projects of their choice. Currently there are 9 women and 1 man engaged in a vegetable project. The garden is fenced, has shade netting, irrigation pump system laid out and organic fertilizers are given free by a local broiler producer. Each beneficiary has 8 plots of her own. These beneficiaries no longer receive food baskets as they eat from the garden and sell for profit. � Poverty Eradication: The program gives Alternative Packages to beneficiaries unemployed, vulnerable and poor residents of Selebi Phikwe. 25 different projects are on going. Ranging from bakery, crafts, sewing to hair and beauty parlours. 16 projects out of these are excelling and make substantial income monthly. 67 women and 2 men are involved across projects. Rehabilitation garden Bakery project 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

GENDER EQUALITY BY 2015, YES WE MUST! WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Continued. . � Home Skills training courses: Annually unemployed women and men are targeted to be skilled in courses of their choice there after embark on income projects of their own for self sustenance. In 2013/14 year 15 beneficiaries (1 man and 14 women) graduated from Design and Sewing course for school uniforms. � Employed as workers at the Ipelegeng Program: 7009 women are employed in the Ipelegeng Program, they are mostly engaged in labour intensive work such as slashing of grass and clearing of bushes by road sides and streets in town. They also work in refurbishment of public places such as school buildings and premises. Graduation ceremony of Home Skills Textile Course Trainees

EVIDENCE OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT � Ms. Metsana Masilo is a beneficiary of Poverty Eradication Program and is doing Sewing project producing stuffed dolls, garments and school uniforms. � She operates her project from her backyard and sells weekly in market days that are held for small scale entrepreneurs. � Quote: I am an unemployed mother who has a daughter at the University of Botswana, I am able to sustain myself and my child through the proceeds from my business that Council enabled me to do through their funding for Poverty Eradication. They bought me some sewing machines and equipment for my project. I now have a savings account at a bank and live a happy life. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

MEN FOR CHANGE • The SPTC management although dominated by men, have taken it upon themselves to demonstrate their support for gender equality. They wore pink t-shirts during the campaign like women. • Men from different sectors have stood up to join the equality talk, During the 16 days a panel consisting of two men and two women participated as panellists and men discussed positively their role in GBV cases. • Mr Tennyson Motlhagodi- Chairperson of Horticulture committee, participated at the gender Based Violence panel discussion that targeted men and attended press brief meeting where he also contributed much. SPTC management in a march campaign against GBV Men participating at Panel Discussion 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE Quote: By Mr Tennyson Motlhagodi- Chairperson of Horticulture committee, Gender is a sensitive issue that needs to be handled with care approach should be refined for the male counterparts to understand more, it should be a continuous process. Mr Tennyson Motlhagodi 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION • Consultation of members of public through Kgotla meetings to address important developmental issues in town such as: • Proposals for Ipelegeng maintenance and Labour intensive projects • Gender awareness campaigns • Review and preparation of Selebi Phikwe planning area development plan (2011 - 2035) • Election of ward development committees • Address of public health issues such as sanitation, immunizations 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE Kgosi Olebogeng Mojuta of Botshabelo kgotla (customary court) Kgosi Mojuta is an elderly woman, participated in the Panel discussion event in her kgotla in December 2013. � She is a community leader who time and again handles GBV cases, cohabitation cases, assault cases etc. � She is an elder who is also very experienced in issues of family matters as she always mitigates in cases brought to her. � She has taken a great interest in working with the gender committee and supporting it as she views it as a good tool to disseminate information and teach people on their rights and responsibilities within the society. � Quote: Gender equality give dignity to all. Kgosi Mojuta – addressing a child welfare meeting at her kgotla 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

CHANGES AT THE WORK PLACE q All the Heads of Department in Council, Mayor’s office, Town Clerk’s and the two deputies offices, the Gender Focal Person and Gender Champion offices as well as the Council Chamber have framed signed Statement of Commitment to Gender protocol and Development as a way of raising awareness within Council, to stakeholders and customers. q All managers have copies of the SPTC Gender Action Plan & Plan on ending GBV to peruse from time to time and come up with ideas in implementation. q The Gender Committee have printed t-shirts with messages, which are worn every time there is an event or on Fridays when Botswana colours T-Shirts are worn to work. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE OF CHANGE AT WORK PLACE Council offices at Re Ka Kgona Centre , are centrally located in town. These offices serve families from: • Bamangwato Concession Limited (BCL )Mine, • Botswana Defence Force (BDF), • Botswana Police and • Botswana Prisons Services A lot of cases in this area involves adoptions, GBV (marital conflicts, co-habitation, rape, incest, defilement, child neglect, denying of fathers rights to theirs children, Physical abuse, Psychological and emotional abuse). Cohabitation cases are many since some women come from rural areas to stay with boyfriends who are working so as to get a living. They have children in this set up and all are so vulnerable to various sorts of abuse. Since this office receives these cases, a social worker from this office (Mrs. Lebogang Phodiso) was assigned to be part of the Council Gender Committee so as to have platform to address these ills at gender forums. Mrs. L. Phodiso, Reka Kgona Social Worker addressing participants on children’s Act in relation to abuse of children 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

OUTREACH THROUGH THE MEDIA During Press brief for Selebi Phikwe Gender committee launch BOPA Reporter posing a question during the Climate Change Workshop 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE Coverage by Mmegi Monitor Newspaper during the 16 days of Activism against Women and Children, Panel Discussion targeting men. The topic covered “Male involvement in GBV” 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

CHANGES AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL Mababy Lebopo is a married woman with four (4) children. She is involved in a Poverty Eradication Project doing Wood Work in their yard. They were registered in Council as destitute persons receiving food rations, transport fares for children, clothing and were exempted from paying school fees. Currently the couple is independent and use proceeds from their wood work project to fend for the family. The woman sells products they make in market days weekly. They also have a savings account. The couple works together and make family decisions together. Mababy & Husband Mrs. Kereeditse Manake Of BCL is a house wife engaged in savings Scheme as 1 of the 30 women in her ward who are in the scheme. She has financial contribution in the home and the husband is not sole decider as she contributes even through utensils and chairs bought through her scheme. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA Ms. Mabedi France trained in a catering course and started her business she has a voice in her home she is not dependent on her boyfriend.

EVIDENCE OF CHANGE AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL Ms. Lebalang Otshidile is a volunteer in the Peer Mother Counselling group working with District AIDS Coordinator’s office. She is a chairperson of LESEA BOKAMOSO Support group. She is a resident of Botshabelo community and works with mothers at clinics. She is a neighbour of Ms. Mababy Phuthego. � Quote: The government Poverty Eradication Programme is bearing great fruits, it has empowered a lot of people in my community, my neighbour Mababy Phuthego is one shining example as she runs her family with their project profits and is well respected by her husband because she plays a big role of selling their products at the market. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

CAPACITY BUILDING FLYING 8 LOOM PROJECT: A two months weaving skills training course was done for a group of unemployed women from all the 12 wards in Selebi Phikwe. 19 women and 1 man. (it targeted 20 people) CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP: This workshop was mounted for Selebi Phikwe Leadership in order for them to be empowered to cascade climate Change impact on Gender to their communities 22 Women and 35 Men (It targeted 70 people) International Women’s Day: Women and Men participated in the IWD and received the National message read by the Deputy District Commissioner. Discussions empowered them, 28 Women, 16 Men (it targeted 50 people) Women’s voices were heard as indicated that before independence husbands removed wives from formal employment e. g. Teaching but nowadays it has stopped. IWD gathering Participants at Climate Change Workshop Weaving skills course 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE Ward Development Committees Umbrella Chairperson, Mr Mmopiemang Basebi Quote: “As a community leader I have participated in all Gender Activities and seen the importance of taking the messages of equality and overall improvement of livelihoods in our wards. There has been a lot of importance attached to the leadership workshop on climate change impact , people have been taking care of ornamental plants and cutting down indigenous ones but after the workshop we cascade the conservation message to our wards to prevent negatives that end up contributing to climate change. On training of women: We look forward to good fruits in skills imparted to beneficiaries through courses like Weaving, so that they can start their own firms and become economically viable and especially women be independent from male support. On the note of equality; women have come a long way, in Selebi Phikwe we have a female court president, Police Station Commander in Botshabelo Station and 50% of chairpersons in ward development committees are women. ” 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

CHANGES IN ATTITUDES The Police Volunteer Cluster groups patrol around wards and streets (day and night on shifts) educating members of the public on issues of safety and curbing violence in public areas. These are members of community who patrol their own communities with police officers. They intervene in different situations that they sometimes meet in homes as they patrol, such as taking care of neglected children and reporting to the police and referring to social workers. They also identify crime prone areas and come up with interventions such as more lighting, regular patrols of those areas etc. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE Police officers interact with members of community during ward cluster meetings to discuss best ways of curbing crime and protecting residents of communities. Ms. Desnah Pagiwa, resident of Botshabelo ward quote: Police volunteer clusters in my ward have greatly improved situations of people loitering in the streets especially at night and snatching ladies bags and cell phones and committing rape. These patrols have also minimised noises caused by drunks from bars in the streets at night. We have peace of mind even when we leave our homes for work during the day. Police Inspector – Ms. Relebatseng Thataemang during talks with community 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

CHANGES AT A POLICY LEVEL WHICH RESULTED FROM COE WORK � In May 2013 Council leadership on a retreat made deliberate decision to mainstream gender equality in its Strategic Plan and cascade it in all employees Annual Performance Plans. � As a result all staff performance has been reviewed weighing how gender is being mainstreamed in each department. � Council made a Draft gender policy that is inclusive on all developmental issues. � Management decided that gender report be a standing item in management meetings monthly and reported by Gender Focal Person. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

EVIDENCE Staff throughout Council have signed PDPs that carry gender objectives in line with mandates of their departments. Mr. Mosotho Mathiba from Physical planning, Housing and Estate Management busy perusing his gender sensitive Performance Development Plan (PDP) Ms. Malebogo Molatlhiwa from Environmental Health Department displaying her PDP 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

ANY OTHER CHANGES AS A RESULT OF COE WORK Miss Dorcus Serero is Hostel Matron of Re Ka Kgona Centre. The centre's aim is to assist people living with disabilities around the country, individuals are equipped with dressmaking skills and are tested by Madirelo training centre for trade certification before graduation. In the past, invitations were made to districts to enrol trainees at the centre however mostly women were enrolled. In 2013/14 the invitation emphasized that both females and males should be mobilized so that they both benefit from the program and not stereotype it for women. Currently enrolment is 10 people: 5 men and 5 women. Quote: The centre is well equipped to enrol and train both women and men, therefore our gender message have reached other districts, this time we have seen them enrolling both women and men unlike before when we used to have only one or two men at most amongst eight or ten women. 50/50 BY 2015. DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA Matron, Serero

LESSON LEARNED AND INNOVATION Stakeholders collaboration is of utmost importance. -All departments in the Selebi Phikwe Gender Committee contribute in kind towards holding of events as to meet resource needs such as stationery, transport and accommodation for hosting events. Other stakeholders who are not members to the committee also assist whenever contacted for assistance such as resourcing to participants during workshops. Departments of Meteorological Services and Department of Waste Management and Air Pollution Control greatly assisted in training of town leadership and staff on climate change, without any costs to Council. � Local shop supplied breads freely during the workshop. � Proper Monitoring and Evaluation of resources to avoid failure in implementation. � Resources are planned in accordance to the work that is to be done. Meticulous budgeting of all items is done since funds are sourced per activity due to lack of specific budget. � Selebi Phikwe being a mining town, is experiencing abuse and violence cases. � The social work services have numerous cases on abused victims of GBV as well as the Police department. These are assisted with counseling, medical attention at hospital, shelter, food etc. Department of Meteorologi cal Services officers facilitated for free at Climate Change Workshop � Mobilizing Media- Deliberate effort was made in engaging with the media, television and Senior print media used, Council Newsletter. Although the television does not cover all events the Gender print media covers and the Council PR unit covers and documents all activities. Affairs Officer disseminating � Gender based violence can be reduced with increased communication. GBV message � Numerous public meetings that have been held have shown that engaging community in to discussions gives them platform to air their views and obtain information as to how they can participants get a redress if victimised. during IWD 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

LEARNING AND SHARING WITH OTHER COUNCILS � During the launch of Selebi Phikwe Gender Committee the honourable Councillor Zubeida Raphael from Lobatse Town Council shared their COE experiences with SPTC leadership, gender committee prior to the launch and with members of public in attendance of the event. � Sowa Town Council, City of Francistown Council were met at a meeting in Thapama Francistown where the COE Action Plans were being consolidated in 2013. Information and experiences from these councils were shared with them. � At a preparatory meeting in Mahalapye from 4 th to 5 th March 2013 progress report on SPTC COE was shared with all the different 9 councils that were in attendance. � Bench marking from City Of Francistown on Savings Scheme programme, for the homeless. This was introduced to Ipelegeng workers as volunteers who get minimum wage of P 400. 00 a month. Unveiling of the Gender Banner marking the official launch of the committee by Lobatse Town Council Honorable Councillor Raphael 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

LEARNING AND SHARING WITH OTHER COUNCILS continued (evidence) Hon. Councillor Zubeida Raphael from Lobatse Town Council , also chairperson of women commissioners at BALA was invited to officiate and share their experiences with Selebi Phikwe Town during the Gender Committee Launch in November 2013. She delivered a very informative speech and shared her experiences with Selebi Phikwe gender committee officers prior to the event. � Quote: from the speech “Selebi Phikwe Town Council has incorporated gender issues in their strategy which has been cascaded to the lower levels hence today’s launch. Let me commend you for that and advice you that a plan is not an end on its own we need to see the impact of your plans on the ground”. Hon. Councillor Raphael from Lobatse Town Council giving a speech at the Selebi Phikwe Gender Committee Launch

KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2014 SPTC will focus on: v. Formulation of gender sensitive policies such as: - Climate Change policy and -Finalizing of Gender Policy v. Provision of a gender sensitive social infrastructure v. Councillors in their political parties to continue lobbying for representation by women in Council positions. v. Intensify dissemination of messages on equality and ending GBV in all wards through: -Heightening awareness of gender issues and addressing of GBV occurrence in town through the District Gender Committee. -Workshops and Commemorations on ending GBV e. g. 16 days of activism, International Women’s Day etc. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICATION Sustainability: � To keep featuring gender agenda in Council Annual Plans. � Regular reports on progress made on Gender. � Address gender issues at District level for more impact. Cascading: � Distribution of Selebi Phikwe Town Council Maano Newsletter to other Councils (the newsletter enshrines gender issues) � The national television Bathopele programs that covers Local Authorities. � Exchange with other councils during entrepreneurial mini shows. 50/50 BY 2015: DEMANDING A STRONG POST 2015 AGENDA

THANK YOU! ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE