Samarbetsland: Botswana

Sexual Orientation and Human Rights in Botswana – The City of Gaborone’s role

Botswana stands out in the African context for its unique approach to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) issues. In addition to societal stigma, their sexual behaviour was criminalized by the penal code. Gaborone City Council did not have jurisdiction over the legalization of same-sex sexual activity or identity, but it did have an important voice that could be influential.

In the midst of cautious social change, the city council of Gaborone, the country’s capital and largest city, came out with an unexpected motion “Request[ing] the government to consider decriminalisation of same-sex sexual activities to support HIV/AIDS Programmes and Policies” before the Gaborone City Council. Three years later, subtle change gave way to radical transformation, and Botswana’s High Court declared sections of the penal code criminalising same-sex sexual activity to be in contravention of sections 3 (rights to liberty, privacy, dignity), 9 (right to privacy) and 15 (right to non-discrimination) of the Constitution and struck them down (Motshidiemang 2019).

The case of Gaborone can be introduced as one where a municipal government took action to speak openly and clearly about the human rights of a marginalized group, even though this was not in their area of jurisdiction. This action speaks to the role that municipal governments can take with respect to speaking on human rights issues, and raises questions about the role of democratically elected officials vis-à-vis minority rights, the relationship between federal and municipal governments, and the impact andappropriateness of making statements in areas beyond one’s jurisdiction.

Learning objectives

• Examine the role of city councils on social and human rights issues
• Understand the different actors and factors that led to legal and social changes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights in Botswana
• Understand the experiences of LGBT people, men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who have sex with women (WSW) in Botswana
• Consider when and whether city councils should make statements or take action beyond their formal jurisdiction
• Consider the inputs and impact of incremental versus one-step plans
• Reflect on the impact of ‘rhetorical’ actions (i.e., statements with no direct legal impact)
• Reflect on how majority-based governance systems should address human rights issues of minority populations

Valdemarsvik, Palapye and Central district – Botswana

Ensuring youth participation

The two municipalities cooperating with the district level in Botswana, though the involvement of Central district in the partnership, are committed to achieving Agenda 2030 through a rightsbased approach and aim to work more systematically with human rights at a local level.

At this stage both partners have established a mutual challenge regarding youth participation in their municipalities and would like to explore further together what their organisations, as duty bearers, can to to ensure that the rights of young citizens are better protected, respected and promoted.

Programme structure

Inclusive Local Governance

The training consists of four compulsory workshops, of which all four are full time scheduled trainings. Periods between workshops are homebased. The total duration of the programme is 18 months.

When:
The inception workshop will be held during week 10, March, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Sweden Phase workshop will take place during week 35, in the end of August and beginning of September 2022 in Sweden.
The follow-up workshop will take place in the end of January, 2023. (the venue to be decided)
The final workshop will take place in mid May, 2023. (the venue to be decided)
Dissemination/evaluation activity is planned for the late autumn, 2023 or January 2024. (the venue to be decided)

Where:
All workshops except the Sweden Phase workshop will be held in the participating countries. The Sweden Phase workshop will be carried out in Sweden.

Phase 1
Inception workshop
(in one of the participating countries; 5 days inclusive travels)

Johannesburg, South Africa

After confirmed selection, the participants will be contacted by a programme manager at ICLD and invited to the inception workshop. The inception workshop aims to prepare the participants for the programme, while stimulating cooperation between participants, their respective teams and relevant networks. It also provides an opportunity to explore synergies between the planned Dilemmas outlines and scope for collaborations. Based on the Dilemmas outlines project design tools will be used to develop project plans. Each team will be given a mentor/national expert from their respective country who will be following the process closely and also conducting several meetings with their teams. The tuition during the inception workshop consists of group discussions and lectures with a combination of Swedish and/or international experts from the region.

Work with the Dilemma Project (6 months, in home country)

Back in their respective local communities the participants will continue to develop their dilemma projects. Participants will actively use web-based tools for interaction with facilitators and other participants. The participant will have meetings with their mentors.

Phase 2
Sweden Phase workshop (The lenght of the workshop to be decided)

During the Swedish Phase workshop, participants will be in Sweden and will be exposed to Sweden’s and ICLDs advanced knowledge and experience of HR, participatory democracy, research etc. Tuition consists of interactive lectures and group discussions with Swedish and international experts combined with study visits, group work and discussions. Time is also allocated for review of the dilemma projects in preparations for implementation through work in small groups led by an ICLD facilitators and mentors. Social and networking activities will be arranged to make the Swedish part of the programma a positive experience.

Continuation of the work with the Dilemma Project (6 months, in home country)

Back in their respective local communities the participants will continue to work on their Dilemma Project. Participants will actively use web-based tools for interaction with facilitators and other participants. The participant will have meetings with their mentors.

Phase 3
Follow-up workshop (in one of the participating countries, 5 days inclusive travels)

A follow-up workshop seminar will be arranged in one of the participating countries, for the participants to present the progress of their Dilemma Projects. The workshop provides an opportunity for peer review and a deeper look into the Dilemma Projects. The programme of the follow-up worskhop also includes study visits and lectures provided by the ICLD and other relevant lecturers.

Phase 4
Final workshop
(in one of the participating countries; 5 days inclusive travels)

More exact location to be decided.

A final workshop seminar will be arranged in one of the participating countries, for the participants to present their Dilemma Project results. The workshop provides an opportunity for peer review and evaluation of the Dilemma Projects. The programme also includes study visits and lectures provided by the ICLD and relevant lecturers. This workshop marks the formal end of the programme.

Dissemination/Evaluation event

This event will be organised in one of the participating countries in order to spread the project outcomes; attract new municipalities; promote expertise in HR-issues and to highlight the connections between research and HR etc.

Team Visits

All teams are visited by their mentors and some teams will also be visited by ICLD programme management team. An assignment linked to the implementation of a participatory democracy method will be given to the team to work on and report back on before the last training session.The plan is also to implement peer to peer visits. (cross countries: south-south/north-south.

Learning processes

The programme employs a mixture of pedagogical methods such as lectures, group work, forum discussions, study visits and facilitated support by the assigned mentors. Support for planning, implementation and evaluation of the Dilemma projects is mainstreamed throughout the whole programme. The number of participants is limited to 25 in order to ensure a close working relationship between participants, ICLD-staff, mentors and lecturers.

Management and staff

All four phases of the International Training Programme are carried out under the support and management of the ICLD. In addition, the programme is supported locally by professional mentors/national experts being selected by the ICLD.

Admission requirements

Invited countries

Botswana, South Africa, Zambia

Target group

The programme welcomes applications from teams from the eight local governments in southern Africa within Human Rights-network consisting of at a minimum: one elected politician; one local government official and one representative of a civil society organization. Only candidates nominated by the appropriate organization (municipality, city, region) and in accordance with national rules will be considered. To achieve a good gender balance, applications from qualified women and younger persons are especially welcome. Candidates who have previously participated in an ICLD-training programme financed by Sida cannot apply for this programme.

Language requirements

The training programme will be organised and conducted in English. Proficiency in English shall be indicated in the Application form.

Health requirements

Considering the training programme consists of international travels and work away from home in a new environment, good health and ability to work without physical/health restrictions if required. It is therefore recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before filling in the Medical Statement in the Application form.

Other requirements

Nominations are assessed on individual and organisational merits. 25 participants will be selected to the programme taking into account that the participants bring diversity to the group through their various backgrounds and professional qualifications.

The programme welcomes applications from teams from the eight HR-municipalities from Botswana, Zambia, South Africa consisting of at least one local government official, one elected politician and one representative of a civil society organization at a minimum.

The outline of the dilemma, together with the commitment of the municipality to support active involvement of the participant in the implementation of the project will be of crucial importance in the selection of participants. Once selected, the participants are required to attend all scheduled parts of the programme and a Letter of Commitment is to be signed by the nominating organisation before the start of the programme. Due to the nature of the programme, family members are not allowed to accompany participants to the programme.

Costs

All training costs pertaining to lectures, literature, documentation, study tours and certain social activities as well as accommodation and food will also be covered by the organiser. All international travel costs related to the programme will be covered by the programme organiser. Costs for personal expenses are not included and are the responsibility of the participant or his/her organisation.

VISA

Participants are responsible for obtaining all relevant visas during all scheduled parts of the programme. The costs for obtaining visas are to be borne by the participant.

Insurance

All participants are covered under a group insurance while on scheduled parts of the programme. Medical and dental checkups are not included.

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete all scheduled parts will be awarded a Certificate of completion of training.

Application process

Closing date for application is December 15, 2021. (Ignore the date in the application form). Application shall be made electronically, via link that have been sent out. The application should include a recent photograph and all required information and documents. An outline of the dilemma must be described in the application and include the following at a minimum:

  • Title of the dilemma
  • Background and focal problem
  • Goal

The application page contains details of what to include with your application. After an initial selection, a few chosen candidates will be invited for the interview, after which the final round of selection will take place.

ICLD operates anti-discrimination policy and all training courses are open to anyone despite the physical ability. If you have some physical disability, please let us know so we can solve all the practical issues that may arise.

The activities in the programme will be carried out on-site or digitally. If the situation occurs that we are forced to postpone workshops due to unforeseen situations, we (at the ICLD) will suggest new dates when the majority of participants can participate. If no dates are possible, ICLD will consider carrying out the workshop digitally.

Programme objectives

Inclusive Local Governance

The main objective of this training programme is that participants develop new or improved practices and/or policies for inclusive public participation in their local governments.

The programme welcomes applications from teams from the eight local governments in southern Africa within Human Rights network consisting of at a minimum: one elected politician; one local government official and one representative of a civil society organization.

Governance, in general, is made up of the processes both political and institutional through which decisions are implemented. Governance is most effective when these processes are inclusive, participatory, accountable, transparent, efficient and respect the rule of law.

Inclusive governance is particularly important at local level, where governments interact with citizens and communities. Local government officials and politicians on the local or regional level as well as civil society organisations are increasingly identified as key players in development and democratization. The civil society organisations can be grass root organisations such as youth groups, resident associations, urban poor, workers associations or other community-based organisations. This creates a unique opportunity for participatory practices and the co-creation of politics between citizens and local political leaders.

Long Term Objectives:
› Local governments in the programme are including citizens to a high degree in local decision-making processes.
› Citizens are integral partners in making, executing and evaluating policy on (insert issue).
› Human rights and Agenda 2030 are integrated in formal guidelines, routines and activities.

Intermediate Objectives:

  • Participating public officials and civil society are knowledgeable and aware of rights-based approach and Agenda 2030
  • Participants are able to identify and highlight dilemmas and possible conflicts in the context for fulfilment of various rights and goals
  • Appropriate routines are developed and put in place so that results are monitored and communicated on a regular basis
  • Participants have developed skills and capacities to impact their organizations towards a more participatory democracy
  • Participants are able to reflect on problem complexity (from a rightsbased perspective) and to work cross-silo, cross-sector, and with civil society and citizens to address complex HR problems
  • Participants have capacity to collect, process, analyze, and learn from varied forms of information regarding human rights dilemmas.

Contents:

The programme has a strong focus on participatory democracy which strives to create opportunities for all members of a population to make meaningful contributions to decision-making. It enables citizens to have a direct role in decision making that affects them, particularly at the community level, where citizens and officials engage as more equal partners in more inclusive, transparent and accountable processes aimed at ensuring greater citizen participation, particularly among women, underrepresented and marginalised groups.

Areas of expertise included in the Programme to achieve the intermediate objectives:

  • Knowledge on the role of citizen participation in democratic local governance
  • Citizen´s participation methods in accordance with HRBA
  • An increased understanding of HRBA complexity and cpability to identify HR dilemmas as well as complexities and dilemmas within SDGs
  • Learning about human right problems and dilemmas (and how local governments perceive, define and address these problems). This involves challenging participants assumptions, supporting them to develop new hypotheses and ideas, and gathering how to gather evidence to guide thinking and action.
  • Training in leadership, strategic planning and communication
  • Exposure to different political landscapes and different leadership styles
  • Study-visits in a Swedish municipality or region
  • Support in disseminating key results to other local governments, nationally and internationally
  • Help the participants to fully utilize the power and influence of their position in their local community
  • Strengthen the participants as a role models to encourage political participation among underrepresented and marginalized groups
  • Give the participants access to relevant networks that fit their work positions.

How?

  • Through a series of trainings, study visits, lectures and workshops
  • By Identifying dilemmas and finding solutions to issues faced by local government officials
  • Through peer to peer knowledge exchange both through North-South and South-South exchange and access to the Partnerships for Human Rights network within the Municipal partnership programme  
  • For those participants who are active in an ICLD Municipal partnership during the time of their training: through additional support in the implementation of the partnership’s democracy development project with a focus on a Human Rights issue
  • Through sharing of professional obstacles and successes in an inclusive environment
  • By having national mentors and experts connected to participating team
  • By sharing and analysing best participatory democracy practices from around the world
  • By offering strategic support and coaching from ICLD staff and their mentors

Dilemmas

The participants will use the ongoing Municipal Partnership projects as learning cases to develop new or improve already existing local policies for inclusive participation. The programme will guide participants in developing these policies through a series of trainings on theory and methods of inclusive public participation including the use of dilemmas that illustrate how equity, participation, transparency and accountability interplay in participatory processes. The participants will work on a change dilemmas together during the training and implement a strategy to make the municipality equitable, participatory, transparent and accountable.

Inclusive Local Governance

The training focuses on improving practices for inclusive public participation. The participants will work on dilemmas and implement a strategy to make their municipalities equitable, participatory, transparent and accountable. By strengthening the capacity of selected teams and by strengthening the networks available to them, the training will result in new or improved practices and/or policies for inclusive public participation in the local governments.

The following countries are eligible for the programme: Botswana, South Africa, Zambia.

The programme period: 2022-2024

Participants should come from one of the eight municipalities within Human Rights network and form a team consisting of at least one elected politician in local or regional assemblies, at least one representative of a grassroot organization.


Women and water scarcity in Botswana: Challenges and strategies in Kweneng District – The case study of Gakuto Village

The purpose of the paper is to examine how water scarcity affects women in Gakuto and strategies they use to adapt to water scarcity. Water is a basic necessity and a requirement for all according to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Botswana is one of the countries faced with water scarcity. The key geographical features of low rainfalls and semi-arid conditions contribute to the scarcity of water resources in the country. The paper highlights challenges faced by women in Gakuto village and strategies they use to cope with water scarcity. A conceptual framework has been used to discuss the relevant concepts that underpin the research. These are water scarcity, adaptation and coping, vulnerability. Data was collected during a site visit through semi structured interviews, field observations and secondary data sources from the government reports and publications. Using semi structured interviews, 23 women from 12 households were interviewed to outline challenges they face in accessing water and sanitation in the village. A traditional leader was also involved to outline the situation of water access in the village. Results show that over 80% of participants travel more than 1km from their households to access water. According to World Health Organisation, in Africa, women walk an average of 10 km per day collecting water. Data was coded and analysed to outline an overview of the various coping and adaptation strategies that participants employ at household level. Majority of them use rainwater, change water routine, access water through social networking and reuse at household level.

Admission requirements

Invited countries

All countries on the OECD-DAC listed ODA-eligible countries, are eligible for the programme, but if a local election is held during the year when the training takes place, the country is temporarily taken off the list. See this list:
www.oecd.org/dac/financing-sustainable-development/development-finance-standards/DAC-List-of-ODA-Recipients-for-reporting-2022-23-flows.pdf

Target group

Only elected women politicians (currently in office) in a local/regional government will be considered. ICLD will prioritize applicants holding a position of Mayor or Deputy Mayor but will also exceptionally accept applicants who are Councilor. We at ICLD aim to create a group that includes both majority and opposition politicians, as well as a diversity of ages and experience. ICLD trainings are open to all that are eligible, irrespective of physical ability.

Candidates who have previously participated in an ICLD training programme financed by Sida cannot apply for this programme.

Language requirements

The training programme will be organised and conducted in English. Proficiency in English shall be indicated in the Application form.

Health requirements

Considering the training programme consists of international travels and work away from home in a new environment, good health and ability to work without health restrictions is required. It is therefore recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before filling in the Medical Statement in the Application form.

Other requirements

The outline of the problem to be addressed by the change process will be of crucial importance in the selection of participants. Once selected, the participant is required to attend all scheduled parts of the 12-months programme and must have approval to participate in all aspects of the program from her local authority. She is required to actively participate in the workshops and complete assignments between workshops (journals, reports).

Due to the nature of the programme, family members are not allowed to accompany participants to the programme.

Costs

All training costs pertaining to lectures, literature, documentation, study tours and certain social activities as well as accommodation and food will also be covered by the organiser. All international travel costs related to the programme will be covered by the programme organiser. Costs for personal expenses are not included and are the responsibility of the participant or her organisation.

VISA

Participants are responsible for obtaining all relevant visas during all scheduled parts of the programme. The costs for obtaining visas are to be borne by the participant.

Insurance

All participants are covered under a group insurance while on scheduled parts of the programme. Medical and dental checkups are not included.

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete all scheduled parts will be awarded a Certificate of completion of training.

Application process

Closing date for applications is 9 September 2022. Application shall be made electronically, via link here below and include a recent photograph and all required information and documents. An outline of the problem to be addressed by the change process shall be submitted as part of the application and plays a key role in the selection of participants.

The change process must be described in the application and you will be asked to describe:

  • The challenge/problem for change you want to address
  • In which way this work will anticipate citizens’ needs

The application page contains details of what to include with your application. After an initial selection, a few chosen candidates will be invited for the interview, after which the final round of selection will take place.

ICLD operates anti-discrimination policy and all training courses are open to anyone despite the physical ability. If you have some physical disability, please let us know so we can solve all the practical issues that may arise.

The activities in the programme will be carried out on-site or digitally. If the situation occurs that we are forced to postpone workshops due to unforeseen situations, we at the ICLD will suggest new dates when the majority of participants can participate. If no dates are possible, ICLD will consider carrying out the workshop digitally.

Programme structure

The training consists of three compulsory workshops, of which all three are full time scheduled trainings. Periods between workshops are homebased. The total duration of the programme is 12 months.

When:
The Inception workshop will be held in February 2023
The Sweden Phase workshop will take place in May-June 2023
The Final workshop will take place in February 2024

Where:
All workshops except the Swedish Phase workshop will be held in the participating countries. The Swedish Phase workshop will be carried out in Sweden.

Phase 1
Inception workshop

(5 days including travels)

More exact location to be decided

After confirmed selection, the participants will be contacted by a programme manager at ICLD and invited to the Inception workshop.

The participants and the programme management develop a shared understanding of the content, structure, methodology and management of the programme. Topics addressed in this workshop, among others: teambuilding and networking, developing the change process, and introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals. The tuition during the inception workshop consists of group discussions and lectures with a combination of Swedish and/or international experts from the region.

The Inception workshop will be held over the course of three days in one of the participating countries.

Work with the Change Process (3 months, in home country)

Back in their respective local communities the participants will continue to develop their Change Process. Participants will actively use web-based tools for interaction with facilitators and other participants.

Phase 2
Swedish Phase workshop

(2 weeks in Sweden including travels)

Participants will meet in Sweden for a cultural exchange, advanced leadership training, introduction to Swedish women politicians/mentors and a two-day study visit to a Swedish municipality or region. Topics of study will include, among others: the Swedish model of governance, suppression techniques and countermeasures, and how to be a good role model. Tuition consists of interactive lectures and group discussions with Swedish and international experts combined with study excursions, group work and discussions.

Phase 3
Final workshop

(5 days including travels)

More exact location to be decided

The participants and the Swedish mentors meet in one of the participating countries. The goal of this workshop is to summarize and share the challenges, opportunities and
lessons learned throughout the programme. The participants will present their Change Process results. The programme also includes study visits and lectures provided by the ICLD and relevant lecturers. This workshop marks the formal end of the programme.

Learning processes

The programme employs a mixture of pedagogical methods such as lectures, group work, forum discussions, study visits and facilitated support by the assigned mentors. Support for planning, implementation and evaluation of the Change Project is mainstreamed throughout the whole programme. The number of participants is limited to 25 in order to ensure a close working relationship between participants, ICLD-staff, mentors and lecturers.

Management and staff

All the three phases of the International Training Programme are carried out under the support and management of the ICLD. In addition, the programme is supported by Swedish mentors being selected by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR).

Programme objectives

The programme aims to provide the following changes in the participant: 

  • Empower the participant with improved leadership skills  
  • Help the participant to fully utilize the power and influence of her position  
  • Strengthen her as a role model to encourage political participation among marginalized groups  
  • Give her access to a network of women in similar positions

During the training, the participant will work on her change process and implement a strategy to make the local authority equitable, participatory, transparent and accountable. 

Benefits:

  • Valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences
  • Extended regional and international networks
  • Improved skills as a “change agent” in initiating and implementing instituational change
  • Skills and abilities to communicate and advocate on issues of inclusive governance
  • Two-day study-visit in a Swedish municipality or region
  • Support to improve participation, equality, transparency and accountability in the local governance

What we will offer:

  • Advanced training in communication, strategic planning and leadership
  • Swedish mentorship including an individual two-day study visit in a Swedish municipality or region
  • International exposure to different political experiences
  • An opportunity for your municipality to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

How?

  • Through skills training workshops on site or digitally
  • Identification of challenges and finding solutions to issues faced by women politicians
  • By offering strategic support and coaching from ICLD staff and mentors
  • In sharing of professional obstacles and successes in an inclusive environment

Change process

The participant is expected to develop and work with a change process of her choice during the training. The change process should address a real problem of concern to the politician, thus contribute to translating the theoretical content of the training programme into capacity development and institutional change within her municipality. The change process aims to increase political accountability, helping leading politicians to better respond to the needs of the citizens. An outline of the problem to be addressed by the change process shall be submitted as part of the application, and plays a key role in the selection of participants. The change process requires strong commitment and involvement of the politician and should lead to the proposal of a solution. Keep in mind that there is  NO funding available from ICLD for project implementation.

Kakor
Vi bjuder på kakor! Om du tycker det är ok, klickar du bara på "Acceptera alla". Du kan såklart välja vilken typ av kakor du vill ha genom att klicka på "Inställningar". Läs vår cookie policy
Inställningar Acceptera alla
Kakor
Välj vilken typ av kakor du vill acceptera. Ditt val kommer att sparas i ett år. Läs vår cookie policy
Spara Acceptera alla