Botswana lags behind its neighbours in media freedom. While the 2022 Media Practitioners Association Bill represents a slight improvement over its 2008 predecessor, it lacks access to information provisions, which are crucial for citizens’ to make informed decisions about how they are governed. Organisation. Media and gender Gender representation in Botswana’s newsrooms has shown minimal improvement over the past decade, notes the co-ordinator of the World Association of News Publishers in the country. This absence, coupled with government employees bound by secrecy, often leaves journalists resorting to speculation out of desperation. Among 14 mainstream newspapers, only two have women in positions of power and influence: the editor of The Voice (who also serves as chairperson of the Botswana Editors Forum) and the managing editor of the Weekend Post. Although the 2008 Media Practitioners Act was repealed in 2022 to enhance media freedom and independence, legislation on access to information is still pending. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament reviewed some of the public health statutes and the Penal Code to make it punishable by up to five years in prison to publish pandemicrelated information from sources other than the director of public health or the World Health However, there have been pockets of improvement, with more women actively seeking senior positions in media advocacy bodies. In 2023, Emang Bokhutlo assumed the role of chairperson of the Botswana Editors Forum, Tshepo “Moeladilotlhoko” Sethibe STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023 30