SPEECHES

Ambassador’s Remarks: Women and the Law Program, March 8, 2007

March 8,2007 

Attorney General Molokomme

 

 

Minister of Labor and Home Affairs Mr. Tibone

 

 

The Honorable Athaliah Molokoome, Attorney General

 

 

Dr. Mookodi

 

 

Ladies and Gentleman

 

 

 

It’s an honor to be part of this program today. I only hope that this morning’s march did not drain all your energy for the rest of the activities for today.

 

 

 Thank you Attorney General for reviewing the status of the laws in Botswana regarding equality and ending violence against women.  One of the first steps to changing the status quo is for women to know their rights and I encourage all of you to use the law to protect yourselves, your families, and your rights. 

 

 

Laws are the basis for changing the legal system to eliminate discrimination.  I mentioned last week at the launch of this series of events that the women’s movement in the United States was aided by laws enacted barring discrimination on the basis of gender or race in areas such as employment and education.  These laws allow women to challenge practices in the courts which discriminate against them.  Once these laws are upheld in the courts and enforced, attitudes begin to change and ideally, there are fewer cases of discrimination.

 

 

For instance, when I joined the Foreign Service, women were routinely pushed toward certain kinds of jobs, which, in many cases did not allow them to compete equally for career development and promotions with men.  Several brave female colleagues filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of State claiming systemic discrimination.  A “class action,” is a situation where a few file a suit effectively representing everyone in the “class.”   The class in this case being female Foreign Service Officers.  

 

 

The suit was won on appeal, and women who could document specific cases of professional discrimination could receive remedies – sometimes retroactive promotions, sometimes opportunities for certain kinds of jobs which had been denied to them earlier.  Initially, there was hostility from some men who felt that they were being disadvantaged in the assignments and promotion process.  However, with the opportunities provided by the suit, women were able to demonstrate that they could do well in any position in the Foreign Service, and over time the results of the suit have been extremely positive.  I am a beneficiary of this change – when I came into the Foreign Service 31 years ago, the chances of a female officer who specialized in consular work becoming an Ambassador were slim to none.   Because of the efforts of my sister Foreign Service officers in bringing the class action suit, I had opportunities to succeed or fail based on merit, and not be limited by my gender.

 

 

Violence is the most extreme form of discrimination and prejudice against women, and therefore needs the most forceful response.  I know that important legislation will be coming before Parliament to help protect women against violence, and I urge swift passage of that bill.  

 

 

But again, passing the bill is only the first step.  The police must be sure to enforce the law rigorously, not just give lip service to it.  The courts must also take the laws seriously and be sure to hand down appropriate sentences to those convicted of violence against women.  I was speaking to a High Court Judge in a country in the region recently about this very issue.  He was very proud of the fact that convicted rapists are now being given significant sentences, 10 to 15 years, whereas in the past they were given what amounted to a slap on the wrist.  The more severe sentence sends a clear message to the community that such behavior is unacceptable.  This kind of message is very important in the campaign to rid the society of impunity for violence against women. 

 

 

In my own country, it has taken time for the police and the courts to treat the female victims of violence with respect.  In the past, they were sometimes ridiculed and accused of “asking for it” by the way they were dressed.  Women were therefore understandably reluctant to bring charges against their assailants.  Again, attitudes have changed and there is much greater support for the women who have the courage to bring charges.

 

 

          So cultural attitudes do change.  I was recently at a Peace Corps luncheon where Minister of Health Sheila Tlou gave a wonderful vote of thanks.  In it, she reminded us that it was not too long ago that people thought you would never change attitudes toward smoking but today, smoking is on the decline.

 

 

          Cultural attitudes towards gender-based violence in Botswana can change also.  It will take the enforcement of laws but it will also need the participation of all members of society. 

 

Thank you.