In a significant stride toward empowering women in Botswana’s mining industry, the Executive Committee of the Women in Mining Botswana Organisation (WiMBO) recently held a pivotal meeting with Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo. The engagement was led by WiMBO Chairperson Ms. Esther Kanaimba-Senai, whose visionary leadership continues to drive the organisation’s mission to elevate the role of women in mining.
The meeting marked a key moment in WiMBO’s ongoing efforts to forge strategic partnerships that support the growth and inclusion of women in this traditionally male-dominated sector. During the session, Ms. Kanaimba-Senai provided an overview of WiMBO’s progress to date, highlighting its expanding network, growing membership, and numerous advocacy initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive mining environment.
However, she also candidly acknowledged the challenges that the organisation faces. These include limited access to funding, capacity-building opportunities, and industry-wide recognition for women’s contributions. Ms. Kanaimba-Senai called for sustained collaboration with key stakeholders to overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of Botswana’s female mining professionals.
Hon. Kenewendo, a well-respected champion of sustainable development and economic transformation, commended WiMBO’s dedication and achievements. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable resource development while investing in human capital across the mining sector.
“I applaud the work being done by WiMBO to empower women and promote inclusive growth within the mining industry. The Ministry remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that align with our national development goals and contribute to a more diverse and skilled workforce,” Hon. Kenewendo stated.
Both parties expressed a shared optimism about deepening their collaboration. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to explore new avenues of support for women in mining, including capacity-building programmes, mentorship opportunities, and policy advocacy.
This engagement underscores the critical importance of fostering inclusive growth within Botswana’s mining sector. With continued leadership from organisations like WiMBO and backing from the Ministry, the path forward looks promising for the women shaping the future of mining in Botswana.
As the industry evolves, partnerships such as this will play a pivotal role in ensuring that women are not only included but also empowered to lead and innovate across all levels of the mining value chain.
