The rise of anti-gender movements in Africa and the erosion of LGBTQI+ rights : a case study of Botswana

Abstract

Understanding the reasons for the raging decline of LGBTQI+ rights in Africa is pivotal to countering this undoing of human rights. The recognition and understanding of anti-gender movements is critical in this regard. Presently, the declining state of sexual minority rights is often viewed through examples of countries such as Uganda, where homophobic laws exist and are enforced. This lends itself to a watered-down view of the erosion of rights as merely reflecting that specific environment and creates a problem by masking the existence of interlinked, organised and concerted anti-gender efforts. It in turn limits how these movements can be counteracted and their corrosive effects thwarted.

This research illustrates the extent of anti-gender movements through the lens of Botswana, a country with a seemingly progressive stance on SOGIESC rights. Botswana is still failing to ensure the legislative implementation of its decriminalisation decision due to concerted resistance efforts. In this regard, the effect of the anti-gender movements in Botswana draws a contestation between two arms of government. On one end, the judiciary has declared a law unconstitutional and on the other, the legislature has hardened its hand to put the ink to paper and repeal same. This dissertation in using this novel contestation, reaffirms the existence of anti-gender movements and highlights the extent of their reach. It also recommends ways in which states and civil society can respond to these actions to quell the harmful stereotypes that they advance.