Empowering the Future: Lesego Chombo, Botswana's Trailblazing Youth Minister

Lesego Chombo, crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, has recently made headlines for her dual role as a cabinet minister. At just 27, this charismatic lawyer aims to reshape Botswana’s future through youth empowerment and a focus on gender equity.

Lesego Chombo’s journey from beauty queen to Botswana's youngest minister has captured the attention of many. Not only did she win the prestigious Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 titles, but she also took on the role of Minister of Youth and Gender at age 26, making history in the diamond-rich southern African nation. This seismic political shift follows President Duma Boko's victory, as he vows to diversify an economy overly reliant on diamonds.

Boko recognizes young leaders' potential and quickly appointed Chombo to the cabinet, citing her passion for youth development and advocacy for gender equality. “I’ve never been more proud to be young,” she stated, reflecting her commitment to empowering her peers and fostering a supportive environment for disadvantaged youth.

Chombo views her political appointment as a surprise opportunity, asserting, “Miss World was only the platform through which I would be seen for this very role.” She has leveraged her titles to create the Lesego Chombo Foundation, focusing on nurturing disadvantaged youngsters in rural areas.

As Botswana grapples with a high unemployment rate of 28%, especially among young women, Chombo is determined to change this dynamic. She envisions a society where youth-led initiatives thrive and young people can participate in decision-making processes that affect their future. Addressing the nation’s pressing challenges, she emphasizes the need for a comprehensive ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship and youth involvement.

Chombo is also mindful of the alarming rates of gender-based violence, with over 67% of women experiencing abuse in Botswana. Despite criticism for voting against certain legislative motions, she insists on raising public awareness about existing laws and their enforcement. Her efforts align with the government's upcoming implementation of a Gender-Based Violence Act, aimed at closing legal loopholes that hinder justice for victims.

Furthermore, she advocates for educational reforms to instill values of gender equity from an early age. This holistic approach extends to addressing men’s mental health and combating toxic masculinity, urging society to challenge patriarchal norms that perpetuate gender violence.

Chombo attributes her drive to strong female role models in her life, particularly her mother. Acknowledging the societal pressures women face, she notes that her journey toward leadership requires navigating skepticism about young women in power.

Her collaboration with influential figures like Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, has inspired her drive for social responsibility in young girls. Chombo wants to create tangible and sustainable impacts through her work, ensuring her initiatives carry on beyond her tenure.

Lesego Chombo stands poised at the crossroads of beauty, law, and politics, dedicated to making a significant difference in Botswana. Her vision for a prosperous future for young people and equitable society remains unwavering, as she knows that the real work has only just begun.