ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore the relationship between social class and gender within the context of my experiences as a black woman, mother, feminist, Catholic, professional middle-class, university lecturer and member of a minority ethnic group in Botswana. The relationship between gender and social class is significant as a basis for uniting or dividing women. I am a citizen of Botswana, a country situated in Southern Africa. Botswana is a former British colony, which was known as Bechuanaland Protectorate when it was under British rule from 1885 to 1965. Botswana’s neighbours are Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa. The country has enjoyed 30 years of stable and peaceful democratic rule. The population of Botswana is 1,334,000. There are more women than men in the country because men make up 48 per cent of the population whereas women are 52 per cent. Moreover, the country has a large dependent population because 43.6 per cent of the population is within the 0-14 age group (Botswana Government 1996a).
