Investigating the nature of women's participation and representation in Botswana public sector unions : a case study of BOTSETU.
Date
2014-01-09
Authors
Motsatsing, Tshetsana Ntebalang
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Abstract
There is a general view that women have joined trade unions in large numbers in the work
environment. However, it is clear that in spite of such large numbers, there are low levels of
representativity as well as low levels of active involvement among the women members. As a
consequence, women do not have enough bargaining power within the unions. This study
investigates reasons for this low level of representativity and active involvement of women
members in BOSETU. This research, therefore, aims at finding out the extent to which Botswana
secondary school women unionists face challenges in terms of their participation and
representation in BOSETU.
The data was collected from a sample of female and male trade unionists from Botswana
Secondary School Teachers Union (BOSETU), which is one of the Botswana Public Sector
Unions. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology using a triangulation of methods
through the use of interviews, observation and documentary analysis. There were two separate
interview schedules; one for the women unionists and the other for key informants.
The study drew on Feminist Theories such as patriarchy to explain the low levels of participation
and representation of women in trade unions. The study further points out that there are
marginally more women in BOSETU than men. However, in spite of this numerical advantage,
their membership is neither proportionally represented in the union leadership hierarchy nor is
their participation in union affairs robust enough. These findings are consistent with the literature
on gender and trade unionism which indicate that there are several obstacles to women
participation and representation in unions.
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This study contributes to the body of existing knowledge about women in trade unions. It
confirms findings of other studies that women still experience structural disadvantages as
unionists, despite trade unions’ constitutional support and the changing environment in
legislature.