As preparations for International Women’s Day intensify, the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs has taken proactive steps to engage young mothers in Moshana Village, the host community for this year’s celebrations. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with local stakeholders, aims to celebrate women’s achievements while equipping them with knowledge and practical skills. Ministry Principal Gender Officer, Felix Mapeu, highlighted the importance of understanding women’s rights, including participation in decision-making, protection from early marriages, access to healthcare, and inheritance rights. He emphasized that women are entitled to equal opportunities and should be empowered to claim their rights fully. The engagement served as both a celebration and an educational platform, setting the tone for inclusive participation in the upcoming global observance.
Ms Lydia Mafoko-Ditsa, the EnterprenHer Coordinator, encouraged young mothers to seek economic independence by venturing into business. She urged village leadership to facilitate skills development by engaging certified trainers to support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Her guidance focused on creating sustainable economic opportunities that can improve household incomes and foster financial resilience among women. This approach aligns with broader national goals of economic empowerment and gender equality, ensuring women can participate actively in local and national development. Participants were inspired to view entrepreneurship not just as a source of income but as a tool for self-reliance and community growth.
Practical business support was provided by Lebogang Thekisho from the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), who offered guidance on business management and proposal drafting. She encouraged attendees to seek mentorship and support from LEA offices throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. This assistance is crucial for ensuring that women-led businesses can navigate challenges, secure funding, and establish viable operations. By combining training with mentorship, the Ministry and LEA are creating a foundation for sustained economic participation. The practical advice complements the broader rights education by linking empowerment with tangible skills and opportunities.
The session also addressed issues of safety and social wellbeing. Ms Lesedi Tselakgopo of the Moshana Gender-Based Violence Rescue Team called on community members to support each other in preventing and addressing cases of gender-based violence (GBV). She emphasized that no one has the right to harm another person and encouraged young women to avoid behaviors that may increase vulnerability to GBV. This component reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to promoting safe communities and protecting the rights of women. Attendees were reminded that awareness, vigilance, and community solidarity are critical in combating gender-based violence.
The engagement further included sensitization on child neglect, business resilience, and mental health among pregnant and nursing mothers. Participants received information on identifying warning signs of mental health issues and accessing appropriate support services. Discussions highlighted the impact of neglect on children’s wellbeing and stressed the importance of nurturing environments for healthy child development. By combining rights education, economic empowerment, and social support, the Ministry has created a holistic platform for young mothers to thrive. The initiative reflects Botswana’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, community resilience, and the wellbeing of women and children ahead of International Women’s Day.
