11 Apr 2024

Women economic empowerment is the solution to numerous challenges facing women such as gender-based violence and HIV, First Lady Neo Masisi has said.

Addressing women ambassadors and heads of missions in Gaborone yesterday, Ms Masisi said the voices of First Ladies all over the world had been elevated and identified as an integral part of the advocacy ecosystem 

She said although her role was mainly ceremonial, it allowed for advocacy pursuits.

Ms Masisi said the office of the First Lady would soon be a fully-fledged office, adding that  it  already had a staff complement of seven members.

She highlighted some of the major campaigns she was involved in such as the Unifying Campaign, which was pioneered by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). 

She said OAFLAD  was an advocacy institution where the First Ladies of Africa leveraged on their unique position to spearhead policies that made health services accessible and for laws that promoted women and youth empowerment.

She said as the First Lady of Botswana, she was using her voice to advocate for better health outcomes for adolescent girls and young women. 

Ms Masisi also highlighted her appointment in 2023 as one of only two UNAIDS Champions in Africa for the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and young women. 

“I also lead youth dialogues on drug use where we actually solicit solutions,”she said.

She urged Botswana women ambassadors and heads of missions to assist to combat HIV and GBV and to support women economic empowerment efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Dr Athaliah Molokomme commended the First Lady for her service, particularly on youth empowerment and combating HIV/AIDS as well as gender-based violence. 

She encouraged women ambassadors to continue their advocacy efforts in their respective missions and to appreciate the impactful role of their collective endeavours.

She commended the First Lady for briefing them about her mission and to share her success stories. ends