Mandate
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
- Commitment: We value the inherent dignity of all people and uphold their rights to live free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
- Principle: Treating all individuals with kindness, fairness, and respect, fostering a culture of safety and security.
Collaboration and Partnership
- Commitment: We believe in the power of working together - across sectors, communities, and borders - to achieve meaningful progress in youth and gender empowerment.
- Principle: Engaging stakeholders from all sectors of society, including government, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations, to create lasting change.
Equity and Inclusivity
- Commitment: We are dedicated to creating a society where all individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or disability, have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to national development.
- Principle: Embracing diversity and ensuring that no one is left behind in our efforts.
Empowerment
- Commitment: We empower youth and gender-diverse groups by providing them with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed, lead, and make a positive impact in their communities.
- Principle: Supporting individuals to take control of their lives and realize their full potential.
Transparency and Accountability
- Commitment: We are committed to openness in our actions, decision-making, and resource allocation. We hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve.
- Principle: Maintaining high standards of integrity, ensuring that our work is accessible, and providing regular reports on progress.
Innovation and Adaptability
- Commitment: We embrace innovative approaches to solving the challenges faced by youth and gender-diverse individuals, adapting to new trends and issues.
- Principle: Encouraging creativity and flexibility in our strategies to address evolving needs and opportunities.
Portfolio Responsibilities
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.
