The essence of being a woman

Tebogo LebotseSebego (PCH) She started playing netball in 1984 at Primary School and played through University and beyond. As a netball athlete, she has captained both the Under 21 and Botswana Senior Netball Teams. In 2007, she became the President of Botswana Netball Association, a position she fiercely held until last year. In 2017 she initiated Basadi Bomme Trust, which advocates for and solicits resources and support for various women sporting codes.

Lorato Moalusi-Sakufiwa She is director of Kagisano Society Women’s Shelter in Botswana. In 2013 the organisation received USD 20,000 from the African Women’s Development Fund to keep the shelter running through the provision of adequate bedding, cooking utensils and improved safety measures. The Kagisano Society Women’s Shelter was established in 1998 in response to violence against women in Botswana. Lorato ensures provision of temporary shelter, counselling, community education and outreach, as well as advocacy on critical issues connected to the security of women.

Pearl Ranna She is managing director of Unitech Farming. Ranna is also the founder of Women in Farming Expo, which started last year. The exhibition brings together relevant stakeholders in the Agricultural industry to support women who wish to expand their Agribusiness. She has spoken out against entitlement behaviour of the youth admonishing them to instead use their talents and gifts to help government fight unemployment.

Tsoseletso Magang Sport leader and former athlete, Magang is a woman of steel. She believes in mentorship of women and believes they carry almost all care giving responsibilities. “With the power of Olympism instilled in us, we can take over the world. Women should increase participation in physical activities, give others tips for gaining confidence and thus curbing sedentary behaviours that have taken over our children,” she was quoted at one of her empowerment events.

Malebogo Marumoagae The former Miss Botswana through her etiquette and consultancy company Bella Larissa hosted Women in Mining Botswana conference last year with the objective to inspire and promote women in the mining industry. Belle Larissa has won awards in the country among them, Woman in Business Award under the category of Young Female Entrepreneur of The Year in 2016.

Matlhogonolo Mponang Through her Tshiamo Gotlhe Mogapi Coaching and mentoring programme, Matty brings together not just women but a group of young people who want to have a change of mindset and see a world full of opportunities. The programme has put ordinary youth in conversation with trailblazers and renowned individuals who share their life stories with them. She started the program last year after realising that she could not accommodate all requests from people who wanted her to assist them with their resumes, career guidance and general mentorship. Growing up, Mponang was part of the Peer Approach to Counselling by Teens (PACT) started and facilitated by the Young Women’s Christian Association.

Beata Kasale The Voice newspaper publisher Beata Kasale continues to be an epitome of hope that women can make it in the media fraternity, an area believed to be the preserve of the male species. Through her work with Women In News, Kasale advocates for women to rise and challenge the status quo in newsrooms. “Women must make themselves visible. The media is about visibility. If they take a back seat, nobody will know that they are there. They should be more assertive,” she was quoted at one of the women’s day commemorations.