Women in Botswana: Leading through creativity and innovation

Lady Ruth Khama “Behind a great/successful man

stands a strong woman” Global symbol of the triumph of love of

family and community over racial ignorance and hate

Stood unfailingly by her husband and his people to dedicate her life to the principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality

Devoted motherCharity worker

Mosadi Seboko First female kgosikgolo (Paramount Chief); breaking a

history of only male Chiefs Her name “Mosadi” literally means "woman" in Setswana Claimed for bogosi on the "birthright equity"; since she was

the first born, she should have precedence in becoming kgosikgolo.

Appointed by her tribes-people in December 2001 Assumed her official duties in January 2002; later that

month she was sworn in the House of Chiefs. Appointed Chairperson of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi in February

2002 Officially coronated in 2003 Her ascension was revolutionary

- changed traditions about the role of women in the affairs of the kgotla,

- the kgotla is now a place of consultation for everybody; not just men or important men.

Dr. Gaositse Chiepe KNO, PH, PMS

first Motswana woman to earn a diploma and college degree, and the first Motswana woman to earn a postgraduate degree

first of two Africans appointed to an administrative position (Education Officer) in the colonial government

First female African High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (1970 – 1974)

First Female Cabinet Minister, Republic of Botswana (1974 – 1999)

Commander, Royal Order of Polar Star, King of Sweden (2006)

Grand Cordon, Order of the Rising Sun, Japan (2010)

Joy Phumaphi Responsible for the first National Housing

Policy in Botswana Designed the first multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS

ResponseResponsible for the first the first Medical

Professions Act, a revision of the Public Health Act; as well as the restructuring of the Ministry of health.

Great achievements in the improvement of the public health care system in Botswana and Africa

Areas of focus: reproductive health, immunizations, HIV/AIDS treatment and governance, malaria treatment, health nutrition, gender equality, Human Development

A compassionate mother

Hon. Dr. Margaret Nasha Renowned politician (4 Ministerial portfolios since

election to Parliament in 1994)first female speaker of the Parliament of Botswana

(2009-present)raised by a single parent of great discipline after her

father passed away. Educated at the University of BotswanaA woman of success, achievement and influence; yet

down to earth, kind hearted and humorous Awarded an honorary doctorate in Law in Iowa, USA,

in recognition of her work in Botswana and for her voluntary work on children and women

A woman of magnitude: great character, success, achievement and influence

A mother of 4 boys and 6 grandchildren

Amantle Montsho Botswana’s very own international female sprinterSpecializes in 400 metres. Holds the national record for the 400m both indoors

and outdoors. Botswana's first-ever gold medallist (2010

Commonwealth Games) Botswana's first World or Olympic track and field

champion over the 400m (2011 World Championships in Athletics)

A two-time African Championships Gold Finalist over 400 m

Won titles in the 400m event at the All Africa Games, World Championships in Athletics, IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) Wold Indoor Championships and Commonwealth Games

Judge Unity Dow First woman to be appointed a judge in Botswana High

Court (11 years) Paved the way for other women fighting for women’s

rights, gender equality and justice Sworn in as Justice by the Kenyan President to serve

implementing the new constitution in Kenya (2010) Awarded the French Medal of the Legion d’honner de

France for her human rights activities (2010) Mentioned by Women of the World Summit Unity Dow as

one of 150 women who shake the world (2011-12) Served as Commissioner of the International Commission

of Jurists (2004-2012). Appointed UNHCR independent expert to conduct a fact-

finding mission on how Israel's West Bank settlements affect Palestinians.

Today, at 54, a partner in her own law firm, author and human rights activist championing women's rights.

Lillian Moremi Botswana’s first female to go to the Antarctica (South Pole) Coordinator of Ducere Foundation Mentors young women on personal development and runs

workshops on leadership, motivation and mentoring for the youth

Represented Botswana in the 2013 (14-day) Antarctica expedition; organised by British environmentalist and explorer, Robert Swan

Her participation was meant to enable her to get a global perspective of Leadership

On a personal quest to encourage and inspire young people particularly young women to take up leadership roles

Holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Cape Town

Her message to young women in Botswana:

“Let us stand up and take leadership roles not only from a household level, but also actively participate in decision-making processes that will help govern

our country. “If you can dream it, believe it, then you can achieve it”

Lady Olebile Gladys MasireLongest serving First Lady of BotswanaHer mother was born in the royal family of Mr

Andrew Tawana-a-Tshidi-a-Mmina Tholo.Dedicated herself to the cause of the delinquent

youth, the unemployed, and illiterate women.Humble, hardworking, compassionate, friendly

and mother of the nation.Had six children of her own BUT was mother to

all, especially disadvantaged and marginalised children, youth and women

Had a place for everybody regardless of their origin, class, or gender.

Patron of Special Olympics BotswanaPassed away in May 2013. Her passing away is a

great loss to the nation and Government of Botswana. Though it’s a great loss, we are comforted that she was a great MOTHER OF THE NATION.

Mpule Kwelagobe Model, beauty queen and entrepreneur. Miss Botswana (17 years old)Miss Universe (20 years old in 1999)First Black African to win Miss UniverseGoodwill Ambassador of the UN, focusing on

youth and HIV/AIDS (2000)Founder of Mpule Kwelagobe HIV/AIDS Trust

Fund Honored as a human health rights activist,

especially for fight against HIV/AIDS and advocacy for youth and women to have greater access to sexual reproductive education and services.

Holds a degree in Political Science (International Political Economy) from Columbia University in the City of New York.

She is married and has one child.

Hon. Athalia Molokomme First female Attorney General Founding member of the Emang Basadi, a

lobbying group that calls on governments, the private sector and political parties to include women in positions of power and decision-making

Founding member of the Women and Law Society in Southern Africa and Women, Law and Development International.

Lecturer, University of Botswana (1981 – 1996) US Ambassador’s Award for Womens’

Leadership (2005) Author in the fields of family law, women and

law, customary law and employment law Advocate for women’s rights at conferences,

workshops and seminars in Botswana and abroad

Described by her peers as great leader and someone who is always willing to go the extra mile to give advice to a co-worker.

Hon. Dorcas Makgato-Malesu

Minister of Trade and Industry (current)CEO, Botswana Export Development and

Investment Authority (BEDIA) (2007 – 2009)

Director Corporate Services, Barloworld (2001 – 2007)

Head of Commercial Division, Air Botswana (1998 – 1999)

Overhauled BEDIA to advance Botswana s the No.1 investment destination in Africa

Led the first-ever Ministerial Trade Mission to Australia in 2012.

Introduced the Botswana brand identityAs Minister, deepened trade and

investment ties between Botswana and its neighbouring countries

Hon. Dorcas Makgato-Malesu

Minister of Trade and Industry (current)CEO, Botswana Export Development and

Investment Authority (BEDIA) (2007 – 2009)

Director Corporate Services, Barloworld (2001 – 2007)

Head of Commercial Division, Air Botswana (1998 – 1999)

Overhauled BEDIA to advance Botswana s the No.1 investment destination in Africa

Led the first-ever Ministerial Trade Mission to Australia in 2012.

Introduced the Botswana brand identityAs Minister, deepened trade and

investment ties between Botswana and its neighbouring countries

THANK YOU! PULA! BY WAME PHETLHU DECHAMBENOIT