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 mother Charity worker

MosadiSeboko 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 NtloyaDikgosi 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. GaositseChiepe 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 Response Responsible 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 Botswana A 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

AmantleMontsho Botswana’s very own international female sprinter Specializes 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 Masire Longest serving First Lady of Botswana Her mother was born in the royal family of Mr Andrew Tawana-a-Tshidi-a-MminaTholo. 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 Botswana Passed 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.

MpuleKwelagobe Model, beauty queen and entrepreneur. Miss Botswana (17 years old) Miss Universe (20 years old in 1999) First Black African to win Miss Universe Goodwill Ambassador of the UN, focusing on youth and HIV/AIDS (2000) Founder of MpuleKwelagobe HIV/AIDS Trust Fund Honoredas 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. AthaliaMolokomme First female Attorney General Founding member of the EmangBasadi, 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. DorcasMakgato-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 identity As Minister, deepened trade and investment ties between Botswana and its neighbouringcountries

THANK YOU! PULA! BY WAME PHETLHU DECHAMBENOIT

Women in Botswana: Leading through creativity and innovation