Rising Star: Lesego Chombo, Botswana's Youngest Minister, Champions Youth and Gender Empowerment

Lesego Chombo, a beauty queen and lawyer, has shattered age barriers in Botswana’s government as the youngest cabinet minister. Focused on youth development and gender equality, Chombo aims to implement comprehensive strategies for social change, becoming an inspirational figure for her peers.

Lesego Chombo's infectious enthusiasm is only matched by her impressive accomplishments. As the reigning Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, Chombo has transitioned from a beauty queen to a leading voice in politics, making history as Botswana's youngest cabinet minister at just 26 years old. This remarkable achievement came following a significant political shift as President Duma Boko, who trained at Harvard, unseated the long-standing ruling party, propelling Chombo into a role that champions youth and gender issues in the southern African nation.

Empowered by her newfound position, she expressed pride in being a young person in Botswana, advocating passionately for the development of youth and gender equity. Her journey into the National Assembly was unexpected, as she was elected as a specially appointed member of parliament, rather than campaigning for the position herself. Chombo credited her Miss Botswana title as a stepping stone that elevated her profile, allowing her to pursue social change actively and inspire other young women.

With a foundation aimed at aiding disadvantaged youth and their families in rural areas, Chombo is committed to nurturing the next generation, ensuring they feel visible and represented. “I am the very essence of that representation,” she said. As a new political figure, she acknowledges the significant responsibility that accompanies her office, especially in a country where the majority is under 35 and employment rates are dishearteningly high.

Chombo aims to reshape the landscape for young people in Botswana, emphasizing both economic and social development amid a backdrop of high unemployment and systemic corruption. She is determined to foster an environment where youth can thrive and be active participants in decision-making processes, advocating for the fair allocation of resources and entrepreneurship opportunities for young locals.

In parallel to youth initiatives, Chombo is focusing on gender equity during a time of rising urgency concerning gender-based violence (GBV) in Botswana. Reports indicate shocking statistics, revealing over two-thirds of women in the country have suffered from abuse. Chombo's early tenure has already faced scrutiny over her stance on initiatives aimed at combatting GBV, yet she remains steadfast in her belief that effective laws must be enforced to protect survivors and ensure justice.

Her proposed changes include the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Act, which would close longstanding legal loopholes. In addition, she promotes a more holistic approach to gender education that involves multiple government sectors, focusing on cultivating awareness from early stages of education.

Lesego Chombo’s resolve stretches beyond just female empowerment; she advocates for addressing men's issues, particularly mental health, contending that change requires a collective societal effort. With support from her mother and influential figures like Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, Chombo remains dedicated to creating sustainable impact during her time in office.

With a clear vision for tangible success, the young minister acknowledges that her journey has only begun. As she works tirelessly for her community, Chombo seeks to initiate lasting change that future leaders can continue to build upon, marking her as a transformative personality in Botswana’s promising political landscape.