Water deficiency, poverty, ecology and Botho theology in Botswana

Abstract

Peer review declarationThe publisher (AOSIS) endorses the South African 'National Scholarly Book Publishers Forum Best Practice for Peer Review of Scholarly Books'. The manuscript was subjected to rigorous two-step peer review prior to publication, with the identities of the reviewers not revealed to the author(s). The reviewers were independent of the publisher and/ or authors in question. The reviewers commented positively on the scholarly merits of the manuscript and recommended that the manuscript be published. Where the reviewers recommended revision and/or improvements to the manuscript, the authors responded adequately to such recommendations. benefited from various contributions of its members over the years, both in kind and cash. For this, the authors are truly grateful to our Circle member, Musimbi Kanyoro, who has supported various fund-raising opportunities and also made substantial personal contributions. At the time of the All Africa 5th Circle Conference in Botswana (July 2019), Musimbi was wrapping up her responsibilities as the President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, and therefore, was unable to attend the conference in person. Keeping her commitment as one of the founders of the Circle, she decided to take a step of faith and contributed to the Circle 30th anniversary celebration through a significant amount of money which included her end of service bonus and some funds raised through the Global Fund for Women. For this, the authors are grateful to Musimbi Kanyoro and to the Global Fund for Women. They are also grateful to the University of Botswana, Global Challenges Research Fund, Kerk in Actie, Holland and the World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy (WCC-EHAIA) for their contributions towards the conference. Special thanks are extended to the University of Pretoria Department of Theology and Religion for the inclusion of this volume in the research project of Yolanda Dreyer titled: 'Gender Studies and Practical Theological Theory Formation'. The authors especially thank the Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion for the seed funding and Professor Andries G. van Aarde, Commissioning Editor AOSIS Books, for facilitating this process.The authors are also grateful to the Botswana Circle Chapter for successfully organising and hosting a splendid conference. Special thanks are also extended to Musa W. Dube for the important role played in conceptualising the conference theme. The authors thank Johanna Stiebert and Katie Edwards for their contributions and are grateful to all the contributors and peer reviewers who made this project a success by devoting their time and expertise. Last, but not least, the authors thank AOSIS Book Publishers for the publication of the volume.

Women in Zimunya and the musha mukadzi or umuzi ngumama philosophy for sustainable livelihoods

“…Climate change has impacted rural women more than any other people. This is confirmed byMadigele, Mogomotsi and Mogomotsi (2021), who describe water poverty in Botswana and its impact on rural households and agro-based livelihoods, especially the rural populace. Water poverty forces women to travel long distances to fetch water, owing to the depleted water table.…”

A Sustainable Future for all Towards Reduction of Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide in Communities of Learning: A Strategic Perspective

“…It is in this sense that this paper intends to explore and expose the manifestations and ramifications of the GBVF on HEIs campuses. The cultures of ethnic and identity-specific communities prescribe and maintain traditional, patriarchal gender norms and roles; define 'transgressions' from these norms; patrol the boundaries of what they deem is and is not culturally acceptable, enforcing compliance by violence, coercion, pressure, rejection (Madigele, Mogomotsi & Mogomotsi, 2021) The cultures of systems can erect barriers to services and resources, where race and gender bias compromise access to justice (Biko, 2000). Culture influences how gender violence is viewed: minimised by society as an accidental problem, used as a convenient explanation by communities, or linked to stereotyping by systems.…”