Born: 1959 (Bechuanaland Protectorate)
Biography:
Unity Dow (née Diswai; born 23 April 1959) is a Motswana lawyer, human rights activist, specially elected member of parliament, and a writer. She has made significant contributions to the field of law, fought for women’s rights, and played a crucial role in the protection of indigenous people’s rights in Botswana.
Born in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Dow grew up in a rural village where her parents, a seamstress and a farmer, instilled in their children the importance of education. They recognized the power of knowledge and the opportunities it could bring. Dow’s parents supported her education and encouraged her to dream beyond the limitations of their traditional lifestyle.
She pursued her higher education journey against the odds, as Botswana did not have a law school at the time. Dow traveled to Swaziland and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to complete her law degree in 1983. Her determination and passion for justice fueled her studies and propelled her towards making a lasting impact.
After her graduation, Dow made history by opening the first all-woman law firm in Botswana. She aimed to challenge the gender stereotypes prevalent in the legal profession and create a safe space for women seeking legal representation.
In 1997, Dow shattered another glass ceiling when she became the first woman to be appointed as a judge on the High Court of Botswana. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for women’s representation in the judicial system.
During her time as a judge, Dow was involved in several landmark cases that had far-reaching implications for gender equality and indigenous rights. In 1990, she stood as the plaintiff in the groundbreaking case of Unity Dow v Attorney-General. This legal battle successfully ended gender discrimination in Botswana’s nationality laws, ensuring that children could derive nationality from their married mothers. The case garnered international attention and inspired similar changes in nationality laws across Africa, significantly advancing women’s rights.
In 2006, Dow presided over the case of Roy Sesana and Others v. the Government of Botswana, where she ruled against the government’s actions to forcibly relocate the Basarwa indigenous people from their ancestral lands in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Dow’s ruling mandated the restoration of basic services, the right for the Basarwa to return to their land, and the provision of hunting permits. This judgment not only protected the rights of an indigenous community but also set a precedent for land and resource rights for marginalized communities in Botswana and beyond.
Outside the courtroom, Dow has been a strong advocate for human rights. She has served on numerous international commissions and committees, lending her expertise in evaluating the application of laws to protect the rights of people in countries like Kenya, Palestine, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.
In addition to her legal career, Dow is an accomplished writer. Starting in 2000, she began publishing novels that often center around social issues, including women’s rights and cultural identity. Her novels provide a powerful platform to address societal challenges and encourage dialogue on important topics.
Dow’s dedication to justice, unwavering commitment to human rights, and groundbreaking achievements have earned her significant recognition and respect. Her contributions have made a lasting impact on women’s rights, indigenous rights, and the broader field of law in Botswana and beyond.
Awards:
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