BOTSWANA WOMEN WRITERS MAKE THEIR VOICE HEARD
The Botswana Society hosts book discussion on women writers in Botswana
The Botswana Society recently held a discussion on women writers in Botswana in collaboration with Botswana Women Write at the University of Botswana in Gaborone.
The Botswana Women Write anthology was published in 2019 by the University of Kwazulu Natal Press and includes works by more than 60 Batswana women writers both established and upcoming. Botswana Women Write is the first anthology to cover a broad spectrum of writing and provides a record of the lives of Batswana women, both now and in the past, and of their thoughts about the joyful and difficult issues they face. It also reflects the richness and challenges of their particular social, political, and cultural context. The book also covers a wide range of genres, from archival letters, court statements, speeches to journalism, drama, stories, and poems, as well as Setswana oral traditions.
The editors of the anthology are Leloba Molema, Mary Lederer, Maitseo Bolaane and Connie Rapoo. Bolaane said it was
fulfilling to see the book transform from an idea to a real project and the commitment from the editors was amazing. Lederer reiterated her sentiments pointing out that there is a lot of talent among Botswana women writers that needs to be unearthed and nurtured. Some of the writers whose work is included in the anthology including Ndibo Tebape, who spoke about the theurapetic experience of writing. “For me writing brings joy and
it also heals and empowers,” she said. Priscillar Mathara said writing is a personal voyage of self-expression that should not be done for making money only, but also as a tool to share experiences. “Writing is empowering and gives us all a voice. There is no formula, you just keep writing.” Sun reporter and also creative writer Keletso Thobega, said that the main challenge faced by local women writers is lack of resources, calling for more collaborative
writing projects to cut costs. She also pointed out that it is important to tell stories with a gendered perspective. “We need to empower women by extending support to their work because Batswana women are excellent storytellers.”
Seatholo Tumedi shared insight into the earlier influences of her writing growing up in a traditional Setswana home, reflecting through her poem ‘The lump in my throat,’ on anxiety and fear, while Lillian
Ngwenya Khupe spoke of her journey to publishing her collection of short stories and merging historical pieces for a modern audience. Respondent Maude Dikobe applauded the writers and encouraged them to keep writing. “It is clear that we have an abundance of writers with the potential to shape the literary landscape of Botswana. -The Botswana Women Write anthology is available for sale at Exclusive Books and Sebilo Books.