BALANCE OF POWER
President Masisi elects more women to BDP Central Committe
This week, President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced new appointments to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party’s Central Committee, in the process confirming his commitment towards one of the sustainable development goals that calls for gender equality and empowerment of women in all positions of power.
Appointing females to all positions, Masisi almost genderbalanced an elected committee, which was overwhelmingly male, with just two women out of nine men.
The committee was elected in Tsabong in August and it is only this week that an additional five members were nominated, making the male to female ratio to stand at 9:7
The women, whose ages range from early 20s to late seventies, include Nonny Penelope Wright, Leungo Tlhoolebe, Matildah Bertia, Ntshadi Ruth Dlodlo and Gaolatlhe Mautle-bvumbe.
Having to sit at the influential table in the country under the chairmanship of Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, some of the women shared with The Voice Journalist, FRANCINAH BAAITSE, what the nomination meant to them as individuals and female politicians.
NONNY PENELOPE WRIGHT
Women, not just in my country but across the world and in all sectors, continue to be underrepresented and this shows my country and leadership are investing in women leaders.
I find this nomination critical in bridging these gaps and demonstrating the ability of young women to realise their full potential as leaders. I welcome the prospect and continuously vouch for the strengthening and support of women leadership roles. Investing in young women leaders not only changes the trajectory of their future but that of communities around them.
I welcome the opportunity to serve in the central committee in the most efficient way while instilling confidence in Batswana that women are also future leaders. I want to thank our party president for his confidence in women, especially the youth, it’s very encouraging and heartwarming.
LEUNGO TLHOOLEBE
First of all, I feel overwhelmed. This nomination is a great honour which I will be forever thankful to our President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for. This honestly feels like a dream come true.
I am excited to be allotted the opportunity to partake in delivering the mandate of the BDP. This nomination should come as motivation to other young female politicians to continue pursuing their passion. The voice of the youth is louder now than ever. We have been given not one but two seats at the top table and this comes to show how the BDP is continuously paving way for the youth to showcase their capabilities.
The youth of this country have great potential and I hope that we all use this opportunity to work together to advance issues affecting the youth, females and the country at large.
MATILDAH BERTIA
It is a great honour and a reward for my hard work. It shows the president recognises what I have been doing for the party for many years. I joined the party around 1965 and, ever since then, I have always been a loyal and dedicated member in good standing and, even to date in my old age, I am still giving my best service. Often, it is men who make it to influential positions in bigger numbers, but I see President Masisi is making a difference and creating room for women, and that is commendable. He knows that women bring in varied views, which are equally important in building a developing a nation. It is my first time to be in the central committee and I have no idea what happens, but I will learn, and whatever we are told to do, that is what I will do; I am loyal like that. I am a servant and my work is to provide service for my party.