Botswana: The government of Botswana has planned to construct a new cultural village in the country for the creatives. The National Gender Commission, led by Chairperson Joy Phumaphi held consultative meetings in to discuss the proposal.
The officials have shared some glimpses from the event on their social media. The meeting was hosted the Ghanzi and West Hanahai. The officials have shared that it is important for the members of the creative industry to
The stakeholders came together to discuss the proposed establishment of a cultural village in the area. During the meeting Phumaphi was accompanied by the Director of Gender Affairs, Thapelo Phuthego, and other National Gender Commissioners.
The Botswana government has been working hard to promote the efforts of the country to make sure that the creatives can flourish in their chosen field. One of the creatives, Bulanda Thamae, who speciailzes in ostrich egg shell beadwork shared her views on the situation.
According to her, “The plea for help by creatives in the area highlighted that they do not have a base of operation” She added that they are also exploited by intermediaries who pretend to help them market their craft.
The proposed cultural village in Ghanzi township will be established with a primary objective of attracting and meeting the expectations and needs of tourists. At the same time, the project will also attract financial benefits to craftmakers and investors/stakeholders.
Phumaphi reiterated that the project will uplift the livelyhoods of the community. She further highlighted that the commission is disturbed by issues of gender based violence and low academic performances among children, noting that proper action should be taken.
Other challenges mentioned were teenage pregnancy which derail children from their future and also sustainable growth, which requires leaders and the community to align themselves with the mindset change.
Gender Commissioners also had the opportunity to visit the proposed sites for the cultural village. They also paid a visit to Ms. Keabetswe Agnes Bohirelweng, a tuckshop owner and one of the beneficiaries of Women Economic Empowerment Project in Ghanzi. She expressed gratitude, noting that the profits from the tuckshop had improved her livelyhood