Lesego Chombo is a name that resonates with inspiration and ambition in Botswana. At only 27, she not only won Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, but she also stepped into history in November as the nation’s youngest cabinet minister. Her appointment came under the administration of President Duma Boko, following a major political shift as his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), won decisively against the long-standing ruling party.
Chombo has demonstrated a remarkable blend of enthusiasm and commitment to public service, declaring, “I've never been more proud to be young” during her time at the Ministry of Youth and Gender in Gaborone. Having been appointed without a prior personal meeting with President Boko, she recognizes the unexpected nature of her rise to political office: "I got appointed by a president who had never met me," she noted, emphasizing how her journey as a beauty queen has provided her a powerful platform for social advocacy.
A pressing mission for Chombo revolves around tackling Botswana’s high unemployment rates, which stand at 28%, especially affecting youth and women. "In Botswana, the rates of unemployment are so high," she stated, expressing her drive to create an ecosystem encouraging youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. She aims to ensure that young voices are included in decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the potential for economic diversification beyond diamond reliance.
While youth development remains a priority, Chombo is acutely aware of her duties in addressing gender-based violence amid troubling statistics that show over 67% of women in Botswana have encountered abuse. She was criticized early in her ministerial tenure for opposing a motion aimed at establishing prompt support systems for victims; however, she remains firm in advocating for existing legal frameworks and increased awareness.
Chombo has also promised to support the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Act, and aims to promote educational curricula that address gender equity from an early age. "We want to teach children what gender-based violence is and how to prevent it," she emphasized.
Her approach to gender issues also extends to men’s mental health and societal roles, seeking balance and equity across genders. "When we speak of gender equality, we're saying that it should be applied equally for everyone," she articulated, highlighting her vision for a more inclusive society.
Chombo credits strong female role models, including her mother, for shaping her path. Her ambition reflects a reformative spirit, with tangible impact and sustainability being her benchmarks of success. "I want to look back and see that it is there and it is sustainable," she affirmed, recognizing that the journey for meaningful change is just beginning.
Chombo has demonstrated a remarkable blend of enthusiasm and commitment to public service, declaring, “I've never been more proud to be young” during her time at the Ministry of Youth and Gender in Gaborone. Having been appointed without a prior personal meeting with President Boko, she recognizes the unexpected nature of her rise to political office: "I got appointed by a president who had never met me," she noted, emphasizing how her journey as a beauty queen has provided her a powerful platform for social advocacy.
A pressing mission for Chombo revolves around tackling Botswana’s high unemployment rates, which stand at 28%, especially affecting youth and women. "In Botswana, the rates of unemployment are so high," she stated, expressing her drive to create an ecosystem encouraging youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. She aims to ensure that young voices are included in decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the potential for economic diversification beyond diamond reliance.
While youth development remains a priority, Chombo is acutely aware of her duties in addressing gender-based violence amid troubling statistics that show over 67% of women in Botswana have encountered abuse. She was criticized early in her ministerial tenure for opposing a motion aimed at establishing prompt support systems for victims; however, she remains firm in advocating for existing legal frameworks and increased awareness.
Chombo has also promised to support the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Act, and aims to promote educational curricula that address gender equity from an early age. "We want to teach children what gender-based violence is and how to prevent it," she emphasized.
Her approach to gender issues also extends to men’s mental health and societal roles, seeking balance and equity across genders. "When we speak of gender equality, we're saying that it should be applied equally for everyone," she articulated, highlighting her vision for a more inclusive society.
Chombo credits strong female role models, including her mother, for shaping her path. Her ambition reflects a reformative spirit, with tangible impact and sustainability being her benchmarks of success. "I want to look back and see that it is there and it is sustainable," she affirmed, recognizing that the journey for meaningful change is just beginning.
