In a groundbreaking move, Lesego Chombo, a vibrant figure in Botswana's political landscape, has made headlines not only for her title as Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, but also for becoming the youngest cabinet minister in the nation at the age of 26. Her rapid rise came when President Duma Boko appointed her as minister of youth and gender, signaling a refreshing shift in the country's political dynamics following decades of governance by the same party.
Chombo's journey from beauty queen to minister is underpinned by a commitment to youth empowerment and gender equality. “I’ve never been more proud to be young,” she expressed during an interview at the ministry's headquarters in Gaborone, where she champions initiatives to inspire young people and combat systemic issues like unemployment, particularly among women, who face daunting economic barriers.
Her philanthropic efforts began with founding the Lesego Chombo Foundation, focused on aiding disadvantaged youth and parents in rural areas. The foundation is sustained through partnerships with corporate sponsors, reaffirming her dedication to creating a society where all voices are heard and represented.
Despite her recent successes, Chombo is acutely aware of the challenges that come with her new role. With youth making up 60% of Botswana's population, and youth unemployment reaching staggering levels, she aims to foster an ecosystem where young entrepreneurs thrive.
Chombo is also ardent about addressing gender-based violence, a pressing issue in Botswana, with over 67% of women reporting abuse. She advocates for comprehensive legislative measures aimed at improving awareness and support for survivors. Even with criticism directed at her voting decisions concerning new policies, she insists that existing laws must be enforced more effectively before introducing new provision.
Her ambitious plans include revising educational curriculums to include teachings on gender equity and violence prevention from an early age. “We want to create awareness about what gender-based violence is, and how we can prevent it,” Chombo stated, underscoring the need for societal changes that foster inclusivity and positive behavior.
As a law graduate from the University of Botswana, Chombo recognizes the hurdles faced by women in leadership, citing her mother as a significant influence in her life. She aspires to break through barriers that often discourage women from pursuing careers in politics and leadership roles.
In aligning her newfound political strength with her pageant platform, Chombo aims to leave a legacy of tangible impact, ensuring that when she steps down, the initiatives she spearheaded continue to flourish. “That is what success looks like to me,” she summed up, reflecting her deep commitment to meaningful transformation in Botswana.
Chombo's journey from beauty queen to minister is underpinned by a commitment to youth empowerment and gender equality. “I’ve never been more proud to be young,” she expressed during an interview at the ministry's headquarters in Gaborone, where she champions initiatives to inspire young people and combat systemic issues like unemployment, particularly among women, who face daunting economic barriers.
Her philanthropic efforts began with founding the Lesego Chombo Foundation, focused on aiding disadvantaged youth and parents in rural areas. The foundation is sustained through partnerships with corporate sponsors, reaffirming her dedication to creating a society where all voices are heard and represented.
Despite her recent successes, Chombo is acutely aware of the challenges that come with her new role. With youth making up 60% of Botswana's population, and youth unemployment reaching staggering levels, she aims to foster an ecosystem where young entrepreneurs thrive.
Chombo is also ardent about addressing gender-based violence, a pressing issue in Botswana, with over 67% of women reporting abuse. She advocates for comprehensive legislative measures aimed at improving awareness and support for survivors. Even with criticism directed at her voting decisions concerning new policies, she insists that existing laws must be enforced more effectively before introducing new provision.
Her ambitious plans include revising educational curriculums to include teachings on gender equity and violence prevention from an early age. “We want to create awareness about what gender-based violence is, and how we can prevent it,” Chombo stated, underscoring the need for societal changes that foster inclusivity and positive behavior.
As a law graduate from the University of Botswana, Chombo recognizes the hurdles faced by women in leadership, citing her mother as a significant influence in her life. She aspires to break through barriers that often discourage women from pursuing careers in politics and leadership roles.
In aligning her newfound political strength with her pageant platform, Chombo aims to leave a legacy of tangible impact, ensuring that when she steps down, the initiatives she spearheaded continue to flourish. “That is what success looks like to me,” she summed up, reflecting her deep commitment to meaningful transformation in Botswana.
