Over the past few months, Lesego Chombo has made an indelible mark in Botswana as the youngest cabinet minister and a dedicated advocate for youth and gender issues. Crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, Chombo transformed her beauty pageant profile into a powerful platform for meaningful change, catching the attention of President Duma Boko, who appointed her at the young age of 26 as Minister of Youth and Gender in Botswana’s National Assembly.
Walking into office with immense enthusiasm, Chombo opened up about her pride in being a young leader, especially in a country where around 60% of the population is under 35, a demographic burdened by high unemployment levels and systemic corruption. "I’ve never been more proud to be young," she shared during a recent interview.
Chombo recognized the struggles of her fellow youth, especially young women, and launched her charitable endeavor, the Lesego Chombo Foundation. The initiative aims to support disadvantaged children and their families in rural Botswana. This project, funded through partnerships with various corporate entities, focuses on uplifting communities and offering opportunities for those left behind.
Her term as minister has not been without challenges, facing criticism for her responses to pressing gender-based violence issues, which impact over 67% of women in Botswana—twice the global average. Chombo emphasized the need to focus on existing laws and their implementation rather than solely creating new policies, advocated for awareness around gender-based violence, and the importance of educating youth on these issues from a young age.
With a holistic approach, she plans to work with multiple ministries to teach gender equity in schools, fostering an environment where violence against women is not tolerated. Recognizing the importance of addressing men's mental health and positive masculinity, she aims to dismantle toxic societal norms that perpetuate gender violence.
As the only female cabinet member among six women in a 69-member assembly, Chombo is keenly aware of the metaphorical weight of her position. Reflecting on her journey, she recognized her mother’s influence in her life, a source of inspiration that helped her navigate a world where women often face significant barriers to leadership.
Chombo's transformative vision for Botswana is not solely about increasing representation; it is about creating a sustainable legacy of progressive practices that ensures the empowerment of future generations. “Impact. Tangible impact. That's what success would look like to me,” she stated, her resolve echoing the sentiments of youth across the country eager to embrace change.
As she continues in her role, Chombo remains committed to creating opportunities for young people and evidence-based reforms that lead to genuine societal progress. Through her multi-faceted approach to leadership, she embodies the promise and potential of a new generation poised for change.
Walking into office with immense enthusiasm, Chombo opened up about her pride in being a young leader, especially in a country where around 60% of the population is under 35, a demographic burdened by high unemployment levels and systemic corruption. "I’ve never been more proud to be young," she shared during a recent interview.
Chombo recognized the struggles of her fellow youth, especially young women, and launched her charitable endeavor, the Lesego Chombo Foundation. The initiative aims to support disadvantaged children and their families in rural Botswana. This project, funded through partnerships with various corporate entities, focuses on uplifting communities and offering opportunities for those left behind.
Her term as minister has not been without challenges, facing criticism for her responses to pressing gender-based violence issues, which impact over 67% of women in Botswana—twice the global average. Chombo emphasized the need to focus on existing laws and their implementation rather than solely creating new policies, advocated for awareness around gender-based violence, and the importance of educating youth on these issues from a young age.
With a holistic approach, she plans to work with multiple ministries to teach gender equity in schools, fostering an environment where violence against women is not tolerated. Recognizing the importance of addressing men's mental health and positive masculinity, she aims to dismantle toxic societal norms that perpetuate gender violence.
As the only female cabinet member among six women in a 69-member assembly, Chombo is keenly aware of the metaphorical weight of her position. Reflecting on her journey, she recognized her mother’s influence in her life, a source of inspiration that helped her navigate a world where women often face significant barriers to leadership.
Chombo's transformative vision for Botswana is not solely about increasing representation; it is about creating a sustainable legacy of progressive practices that ensures the empowerment of future generations. “Impact. Tangible impact. That's what success would look like to me,” she stated, her resolve echoing the sentiments of youth across the country eager to embrace change.
As she continues in her role, Chombo remains committed to creating opportunities for young people and evidence-based reforms that lead to genuine societal progress. Through her multi-faceted approach to leadership, she embodies the promise and potential of a new generation poised for change.
