Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund proudly joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day, under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”. The theme calls for action to remove all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.

In the context of road safety, this theme takes on even a greater significance. Women and girls often face unique mobility risks, including unsafe transport systems, and disproportionate vulnerabilities during and after road crashes. Although road traffic crashes affect both men and women, statistics in Botswana consistently show that men are disproportionately affected. In 2024, a total of 346 people lost their lives in road traffic crashes, while 328 fatalities were recorded in 2025. Of these, approximately 70% of the fatalities were men.

While this trend highlights the vulnerability of men on the roads, it also reveals an often-overlooked gender impact. In many households, especially where traditional roles position men as primary providers, the loss or injury of men in road crashes leaves women with the immense responsibility of sustaining families emotionally, financially, and socially. Women are suddenly expected to become sole breadwinners, caregivers, and decision makers, often without adequate support or resources.

These realities highlight that road safety is also a women’s rights issue. When women are left to absorb these heavy socioeconomic pressures, their access to opportunities, financial independence and overall wellbeing are compromised.

MVA Fund celebrates exceptional women within the fund, women who drive the Fund’s mandate with dedication, compassion, and excellence. Their contributions reflect a broader reality: when women thrive, systems become stronger, safer, and more inclusive. Their leadership and expertise strengthen road safety initiatives, rehabilitation services and community engagement initiatives that benefit all road users.

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety, MVA Fund reaffirms its dedication to creating an environment where every woman and girl can travel without fear and without harm. This includes advocating for safer road infrastructure, promoting responsible road use, supporting survivors of road crashes, and amplifying voices calling for justice and protection for all including women and girls.

MVA Fund remains committed to enhancing the quality of life by promoting safer mobility, compensating, rehabilitating and supporting those affected by road traffic crashes and honours every woman who contributes to safer mobility. Together, we remain committed to building an environment where safety, dignity and equity are guaranteed for all including women and girls.