Association launches Women's Commission

The establishment of Women's Commissions in sports organizations represents a significant worldwide movement aimed at advancing gender equality and empowering women in the realm of sports. These commissions, some of which take the form of gender commissions, operate within the broader framework of promoting gender parity and equity.

Their role is instrumental in ensuring that the voices of women are heard, and their needs are addressed within sports federations and associations. Even in codes such as dance sport, which emphasize collaboration balance of genders, these structures are necessary to foster equity and retention.

In line with this global trend, the Botswana National Sport Commission has been actively promoting the establishment of Women's Commissions among its affiliates, including the Botswana Dance Sport Association. On Saturday, January 20, 2024, the Botswana Dance Sport Association successfully held elections for its Women's Commission.

This commission functions as a sub-structure of the association and is fully dedicated to promoting gender equality and fostering female participation in dance sport. Its primary objectives revolves around providing support and development opportunities for female dancers and officials.

The newly elected members of the Botswana Dance Sport Association Women's Commission are Ms. Casey Letsholo (Chairperson), Ms. Refilwe Mmopi (Vice Chairperson), Ms. Kutlwano Jairos (Secretary), Ms. Basetsana Seokolo and Ms. Karabo Kefakae (Additional members). According to the Communications and Media Relations Chairperson for the Botswana Dance sport Association, Ms Kutlwano Jairos, who also serves as the secretary for the Women's Commission, the association has set several objectives for the Women’s Commission to promote women's participation in dance sport.

These objectives include advocating for provision of support and resources for female dancers to develop their skills and achieve success, promoting dance sport at the grassroots level and collaborating with other organizations to address challenges faced by women in sport. The vision of the Botswana Dance Sport Women's Commission is to create an inclusive and supportive environment that allows women to thrive and succeed in dance sport. The commission also aims to increase the visibility and representation of women in all aspects of the sport, from participation to leadership roles.

By empowering women to excel in dance sport, the commission hopes to eliminate gender-based obstacles and provide a strong network of female dancers who uplift and inspire each other. Ms Kutlwano Jairos, has emphasized that the establishment of the Women's Commission within the Botswana Dance Sport Association is a significant step towards empowering women within the sport.

The commission will play a crucial role in promoting the participation and success of female dancers. With dance sport now recognized as an Olympic sport, it is important for Botswana to ensure that women have equal opportunities and support to excel in this discipline.

As Botswana Dance Sport Association embraces dance sport as an Olympic sport, the importance of having a Women's Commission becomes even more magnified. It is crucial to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for female dancers, officials, and enthusiasts to thrive. By providing opportunities for skills development, the Women's Commission could contribute to the overall growth and success of dance sport in Botswana.