11. Information on mechanisms that have been put in place to encourage and promote women’s participation in the social, economic and political affairs of the State. C.O 38 The Gender National Strategy of 2015 has prioritized women empowerment, not only with regard to political power, decision making and democratic governance but also in various national development areas such as economic diversification, prosperity, poverty eradication, social protection, social services, access to justice, protection of human rights, and freedom from violence, among others. Further, special measures targeting vulnerable groups of men, women, girls and boys have been taken to empower them. In 2012, as a special measure, the Government allocated 5% from the alcohol levy fund to women empowerment programmes in an effort to improve their participation in the economic development of the country. In the Public Service, women account for more than 40% of those at Deputy Director Level and above. According to the 2014 elections, women representation at Local Government level, Cabinet and Parliament was 19,4%; 17,4% and 8,2% respectively. 12. Information on making necessary arrangements to build a separate prison for female prisoners. Botswana already has a female prison in Gaborone with a capacity of 30 inmates. There is also a female wing at Mahalapye with a capacity of 60 inmates while the female wings at Kasane, Maun and Ghanzi each have a capacity of 10. As at 12thAugust 2015, female prisoners in Botswana accounted for 5.14%. Out of the 225 female prisoners, 67 were convicted prisoners, 31 remanded, 127 were immigration detainees4. 13. Information on the rights of convicted prisoners. The Prisons Act is currently being reviewed and provisions relating to visitation rights are among the provisions to be considered. 14. Information on the extension of free legal assistance to all crimes was the accused person cannot afford to pay legal representation fees. 4 Report on prisons population as at 12th August, 2015. 21 | P a g e