At 27, Lesego Chombo has shattered Botswana’s glass ceiling as the country’s youngest cabinet minister, inspiring a new generation of young women with her tireless campaign for social change and economic growth.
At 27 years old, Lesego Chombo has achieved what many thought was impossible for a young woman in Botswana. She is the youngest cabinet minister in the country’s history, having been appointed by President Duma Boko just months after winning the ‘Miss Botswana and Miss World Africa titles’.
A Passion for Change
Chombo’s journey to politics began with her crowning as ‘Miss Botswana in 2022’ , which raised her profile and enabled her to campaign for social change. She used this platform to inspire other young women and set up the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which focuses on supporting disadvantaged youngsters and their parents in rural areas.
Address Addressing Unemployment and Corruption
As minister of youth and gender, Chombo’s focus is on creating an ecosystem that nurtures youth-led initiatives, strengthens entrepreneurship, and ensures young people have a seat at the table when decisions are being made. She believes that finding suitable ambassadors like herself can be key to fixing Botswana’s economy, which relies heavily on diamonds.
Youth-led initiatives have become a driving force for social change worldwide.
According to a UNESCO report, 70% of young people believe they can make a difference in their communities.
These initiatives focus on issues such as climate action, education, and mental health.
A study by the International Youth Foundation found that youth-led projects increase community engagement by 30%.
With their unique perspective and energy, young people are tackling complex problems and inspiring others to join them.
Chombo also addresses the issue of corruption, which she sees as a major obstacle to economic growth. Her government has begun a 10-month forensic audit of government spending and has secured a deal with UAE-based ‘CCI Global’ to open a hub in Botswana, aimed at bolstering investor confidence and diversifying the economy.
Corruption is a pervasive issue that affects economies, institutions, and individuals worldwide.
It involves the abuse of power for personal gain, often through bribery, embezzlement, or nepotism.
According to Transparency International, corruption costs the global economy over $2 trillion annually.
In some countries, corruption has led to social unrest, political instability, and even violence.
Effective anti-corruption measures include strengthening laws, improving transparency, and promoting accountability.
Gender Equity and Violence
Youth development is just one pillar of Chombo’s work; gender equity also remains close to her heart. She has spoken out about the growing outcry over gender-based violence, with over 67% of women in Botswana having experienced abuse. Chombo believes that education plays a crucial role in preventing gender-based violence and wants curriculums to promote gender equity from a young age.
She has also been vocal about addressing issues affecting men, particularly around mental health and positive masculinity, encouraging chiefs to ensure their patriarchal culture is not perpetuating gender violence. Chombo sees gender equality as applying equally for everyone, but strives for gender equity, recognizing that women face many pressures and biases in society.
Gender equality has been a longstanding issue, with its roots in ancient civilizations.
The concept of equal rights between men and women dates back to the Code of Hammurabi in 1754 BCE.
However, it wasn't until the 20th century that significant progress was made.
The United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted in 1979, setting a global standard for gender equality.
Today, many countries have implemented policies and laws to promote equal opportunities and rights for women.
A Call to Action
Chombo’s real work has only just begun, and she knows that tangible impact will be her ultimate measure of success. She wants to look back and see that the changes she has made are sustainable and that someone else can carry them forward when she leaves office. With her passion for change and commitment to creating a better future for young people in Botswana, Lesego Chombo is an inspiration to many, both at home and around the world.
