Margaret Nasha

Margaret Nnananyana Nasha (born 6 August 1947) is a Botswana politician who served as the Speaker of the National Assembly from 2009 to 2014 and she was the first woman to hold this position. Nasha worked as a journalist and civil servant before entering politics, and also served a term as Botswana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. She entered the National Assembly at the 1994 general election, and subsequently served as a minister in the governments of Quett Masire and Festus Mogae. A representative of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Nasha was elected to the speakership after the 2009 election.

Quotes

• The constitution of Botswana gives too much power to the President and we are the only country in the region, which is still stuck to this.  The President appoints, fires, promotes and demotes army personnel.
  • "No freedom of speech in BDP", Wednesday, June 08, 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2021

• Democracy to me means government of the people, by the people and not government of the people, by men. Democracy by nature should be inclusive, with proportionate representation of most, if not all sections of the population of a country.
  • "One woman’s struggles" (24 March 2014)

• Further the development of Botswana along moral and ethical lines.
  • "Minister praises Baha'i activities" (March 14, 2005)

• The oneness of humanity, the equality of boys and girls in the eyes of God, and the need for honesty and kindliness in their dealings with other people.
  • "Minister praises Baha'i activities" (March 14, 2005)

• I commend the teaching of these virtues, "because they ensure that our nation's development is based upon a moral, ethical, and tolerant foundation.
  • "Minister praises Baha'i activities" (March 14, 2005)

• Women have the power in politics because they have the numbers.
  • Nasha pointed out that women constituted around 60% of voters but remained underrepresented in political leadership

• Why can't you speak and be heard?

• I think I have what it takes to be the next Speaker of the House.

• Four women against 58 men is indeed an unfortunate reversal of the gains we made in women’s representation in politics and gender equality generally.

• Should let politicians be politicians and not demand hard evidence on every allegation made

• There’s no doubt that the system is effective in those countries

External links

Encyclopedic article on Margaret Nasha on Wikipedia