In the international arena, Botswana is often portrayed as the shining example of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. However, at the University of Botswana, students recently questioned this claim through a broader discussion on the principles of democracy and the reality of many present-day democracies around the world while also reflecting on the one within their own country.
The post-screening discussions, which were a part of the student-organized Why Democracy? Film Festival that was held February 21 to 23, 2011 at the university’s main campus in Gaborone, were a platform where the youth of Botswana could express their opinions on the general topic of democracy and such related issues as fair and free elections, women’s role in democracies, and human rights.
The festival was also a place where the youth voices could be heard. As facilitators, the end result of the festival as we saw it? It was a motivated and passionate group of Botswana youth that are excited to further explore the democracy within their country, and participate as citizens of it, as well as better understand the many democracies around the world.
Over the course of three evenings, the Political Science Society, a student organization at the University of Botswana, held its first annual Why Democracy? Film Festival, where they screened one film per night and then allowed Laura and I, as Steps facilitators, to encourage a discussion on the topics raised in each respective film.
With consideration given to students’ interests, drawing a crowd, and current events, the society chose to screen Iron Ladies of Liberia, Egypt: We Are Watching You, and Please Vote for Me during the film festival. With over 120 students attending each night, the discussions ranged from topics concerning the cultural factors influencing the relatively few number of women in governments, especially in relation to Botswana, to the ability for the rule of law to protect the people AND to protect the ruling regime, even if it’s a government that is not supported by the populous.
Many students’ spoke of the importance of the judicial system as a separate entity in democratic governments (as was viewed in the Egypt film) and they also debated the fairness of campaign contributions and whether or not they harm, benefit or have no effect on the transparency of a democracy and a government’s accountability to the people.
In the end, each night of the film festival, we saw the youth of Botswana raise thought-provoking issues, questions and opinions about democracy. They possessed a level of intellectual insight and passion (especially in respect to their political party affiliations) that we, the facilitators, certainly admired. And under the direction of the Political Science Society at the university, who are also to be trained as facilitators by Steps, these discussions on democracy will continue with forthcoming screenings and films festivals!
Written by Sonia Desia (US Peace Corps in Botswana).For more information about using STEPS films in Botswana, contact Gase at Source of Life (source@orangemail.co.bw)
