Why was the Coalition formed?

1993

	Women's NGO's were preparing themselves for the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995.
	Needed to develop a collective agenda in articulating women's concerns and demands for change.
	Purpose was to coordinate preparations and report back to the Beijing Platform for Action.

1997

	Coalition was formalized for the purpose of coordination, facilitation, and monitoring of the implementation of the six critical areas of concern.
	The Women's NGO Coalition was formally registered as an association

The six critical area of concern are:

1. Women's Poverty and Economic Empowerment

2. Women's Power Sharing and Decision Making

3. Women and Health

4. Women's Education and Training

5. Women's Rights and Violence Against Women

6. The Girl Child which cuts across all the above

*The Coalition has increased its membership to become a collective voice on women/gender issues. Various activities have jointly been undertaken to raise public awareness on gender gaps and women’s concerns. We are involved in advocating and lobbying for changes in the formulation of policies from local to national levels, as well as, capacity building and collaborating with others.

The uniqueness of the Coalition lies in the alliances, strong ties and partnerships it has built in the community, with other NGO’s and with the Women’s Affairs Department in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.

Since the Coalitions inception there have been numerous activities and opportunities to educate Parliamentarians, community leaders, Chiefs and the general public on the issues facing Batswana women today.

For more information on the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995 click here.