At just 27, Lesego Chombo, Botswana's youngest cabinet minister and former beauty queen, is paving a new path for the country's youth. Appointed by President Duma Boko after a historic electoral shift, she aims to enhance youth entrepreneurship and gender equity while addressing the high unemployment rates that plague her generation.
### Rising Star: Lesego Chombo Inspires Botswana's Youth as Minister
### Rising Star: Lesego Chombo Inspires Botswana's Youth as Minister
Lesego Chombo uses her platform to advocate for youth empowerment and gender equality in Botswana’s cabinet.
Chombo, who gained prominence after winning the Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 titles, has committed herself to advocating for youth and gender issues. Despite the surprise appointment to the Ministry of Youth and Gender, she is determined to impact her country positively. With over 60% of Botswana's population being under 35 years old, she feels a strong responsibility to create an ecosystem that promotes youth-led initiatives and helps them thrive economically.
The ambitious minister has laid out plans for her tenure, including promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring that young voices are included in key national decisions. She is also tackling the urgent issue of gender-based violence, which affects over 67% of women in Botswana and is seeking to ensure the laws meant to protect victims are properly enforced and effective.
While Chombo has faced some backlash for previous parliamentary votes regarding gender violence, she believes that awareness and community education are crucial for lasting change. Her vision extends beyond immediate legal amendments; she aims to embed gender equity values into Botswana's educational system.
Admitting that the journey to blend her roles of public servant, advocate, and lawyer has been challenging, Chombo acknowledges the historic nature of her position and aspires to leave a lasting legacy of "tangible impact." She is not only focused on her achievements but is also deeply motivated by the support she received from strong women, including her mother and figures in her community.
As Chombo embarks on this journey, her story resonates with young people across Botswana, reminding them that age is not a barrier to leadership — it is an opportunity for innovation and change.
The ambitious minister has laid out plans for her tenure, including promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring that young voices are included in key national decisions. She is also tackling the urgent issue of gender-based violence, which affects over 67% of women in Botswana and is seeking to ensure the laws meant to protect victims are properly enforced and effective.
While Chombo has faced some backlash for previous parliamentary votes regarding gender violence, she believes that awareness and community education are crucial for lasting change. Her vision extends beyond immediate legal amendments; she aims to embed gender equity values into Botswana's educational system.
Admitting that the journey to blend her roles of public servant, advocate, and lawyer has been challenging, Chombo acknowledges the historic nature of her position and aspires to leave a lasting legacy of "tangible impact." She is not only focused on her achievements but is also deeply motivated by the support she received from strong women, including her mother and figures in her community.
As Chombo embarks on this journey, her story resonates with young people across Botswana, reminding them that age is not a barrier to leadership — it is an opportunity for innovation and change.
