The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs is mandated to provide leadership and overall policy development, strategy and standards with particular emphasis on gender equality and inclusivity, gender mainstreaming, the empowerment and development of youth.
Vision
A united, peaceful, inclusive, and progressive society.
Mission Statement
To promote gender equality and youth empowerment through development of inclusive and responsive laws, policies and programmes for sustainable development.
Organisational Values
- Respect and Dignity
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Equity and Inclusivity
- Empowerment
- Transparency and Accountability
- Innovation and Adaptability
In line with the above mandate, the Ministry is tasked with driving the following portfolio responsibilities:
- Development, Implementation and Review of various Policies and Legislation
- Youth Development and Empowerment
- Gender inclusivity, and Gender Mainstreaming
Department of Youth
Department of Gender
Botswana National Youth Council
Department of Youth
Develop, Review Policy and Legislation: National Youth Policy & National Action Plan
Programme Development and Reviews: Character Building/ Life Skills programme, mentorship programme, youth start up programme (funding), incubation programme, exchange programme, youth rallies, expositions, pitso, forums/town hall meetings), National Service and volunteer programme (e.g. Botswana National Service Programme/Tirelo Sechaba).
Stakeholder Engagement and Building Partnerships: Advocate and lobby for partnership with other ministries, parastatals, private sector and development partners to support local youth, especially for employment creation projects.
Mainstreaming of youth issues in collaboration with key stakeholders: Affirmative action plans for youth, support Youth Serving Organisations (YSO) in the Health, Education, Environment, Values, Employment, etc.
Department of Gender Affairs
Policy Development & Research: Gender audits on programmes, policies and laws, Capacity building on gender mainstreaming, Public awareness campaigns through commemorations (International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day and 16 Days), Development of periodic reports on gender instruments, Secretariat to the National Gender Commission, Capacity building on Gender Based Violence, Assess sector research proposals for gender responsiveness, Collect Data on gender and development.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Capacity building on women’s participation in the economy, Monitoring and mentoring of women entrepreneurs supported by GeAD, Mobilise women entrepreneurs to access markets.
Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC)
Advisory Role: Provide guidance to the government on matters related to youth activities within the non governmental sector.
Coordination: Facilitating communication and collaboration among voluntary organizations/Youth Serving Organisations (YSO)/Non- Governemental Organisations (NGO) working with and for youth.
Resource Mobilization: Identifying and securing funding opportunities both regionally and nationally to support youth programmes and initiatives.
Advocacy: Advocate for the youth interests on matters of policy, legislation and socio – economic development.
Administration of funds: Administer and monitor fund disbursement for youth programmes and grants.
Point of contact: BNYC serves as a contact point for international engagements and skills and knowledge exchange of the youth, hence promoting International and bilateral relations.
