CEDAW/C/BWA/CO/4

Botswana (CEDAW 14-03-2019)

The Committee considered the fourth periodic report of Botswana (CEDAW/C/BWA/4) at its 1677th and 1678th meetings (see CEDAW/C/SR.1677 and CEDAW/C/SR.1678), held on 1 March 2019. The Committee’s list of issues and questions is contained in CEDAW/C/BWA/Q/4, and the responses of Botswana are contained in CEDAW/C/BWA/Q/4/Add.1.

Concluding observations

E. Principal areas of concern and recommendations

Disadvantaged groups of women

43. The Committee notes with concern the marginalization faced by indigenous women with respect to their political rights and the loss of their cultural and tribal identities. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of equal access to free antiretroviral treatment for members of disadvantaged groups, including indigenous women, women prisoners, women with disabilities, lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, intersex persons and migrant women. It is further concerned about the detention in transit centres of migrant women and girls, who are often separated from their male family members.
44. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Develop and implement a strategy to address the specific needs of indigenous women in all areas covered by the Convention, including in public and political life, and to protect their cultural and tribal identities;

(b) Review and remove obstacles faced by indigenous women, women prisoners, women with disabilities, lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, intersex persons and migrant women in gaining access to public services and obtaining free antiretroviral treatment;

(c) Ensure access to education and health, sanitation and legal services for migrant women and girls in or outside of transit centres and adopt an alternative solution in order to prevent the separation of family members.