As a result of these innovative projects, Slumber Chombo has emerged as an influential leader in Botswana. She currently deftly balances aesthetics and functionality in her roles as Miss Botswana 2022, lawyer, and the youngest cabinet minister in her nation’s history. Her crowning as Miss Botswana elevated her public image tremendously. It provided her with the platform to advocate for social change, placing a particular emphasis on empowering young women. Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, commented on Chombo’s important impact. Chombo was integral in leaving a legacy of beauty with a purpose for girls everywhere around the world.
At just 26 years old, Chombo was elected a Member of Parliament and Minister. Her party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), scored a historic landslide victory, defeating the ruling Botswana Democratic Party that had been in power for 58 years. Fueling this skepticism is Chombo’s stubbornness in the face of high unemployment – about 28% currently. This crisis disproportionately affects young people and women, an issue that Chombo is passionate about addressing in a big way.
Chombo received her LLB from the University of Botswana. That academic experience has given her the tools to navigate power, which have become essential as she starts her political career. She is passionate about creating opportunities for others, especially for youth-led initiatives and youth entrepreneurship. Her hope is to see deeply engaged young people at the forefront of every decision-making body that determines the future.
In the last few months, Chombo entered into a partnership with UAE-based CCI Global. Collectively, they are bringing a new business process outsourcing hub to Botswana. This effort would help create new jobs and fight against the country’s dismally high levels of unemployment.
Chombo acknowledges the influence of her mother and other strong women in her life, stating that her mother created an environment where she could thrive. “My mother has managed to create an environment for me to thrive. Growing up, I got to realize that it’s not an easy thing,” she said. Chombo went further to add that women need to work “10 times worse” to be recognised in the community.
Despite her achievements, Chombo has faced criticism for her decisions, including voting against an opposition motion to establish “peace desks” at police stations and magistrate courts. She remains committed to her ambitious long-term vision for Botswana’s youth. She is a fierce proponent of introducing curriculums that encourage gender equity from a young age.
“We want curriculums that promote gender equity from a young age,” – Lesego Chombo
Chombo has spoken about the importance of teaching children to not only recognize gender-based violence, but know how to prevent it. “We want to teach children what gender-based violence is and how to prevent it,” she emphasized. She underscored the value of such teachings starting in the home, drawing attention to the ways that children learn proper behavior through the actions of their parents.
“It will boil down to inclusion of teaching gender equity at home, how parents behave around their children, how they model good behavior,” – Lesego Chombo
Chombo’s focus on gender equity comes from understanding the biases that women in the community frequently experience. “I hear a lot of people say: ‘Why do you speak of women more than men?’” she reflected. “It’s because as it stands in society, women are mostly prejudiced against.”
Although advocacy for women is at the forefront of Chombo’s work, she emphasizes that lack of equality is her main concern. When we talk about gender equality, what we mean is that it now needs to be done the same way for all of the people. Equitable is the word we’re really looking for, because what we aim for is gender equity,” she said.
Chombo’s work is a response to profound social issues, including violence and discrimination. During other festive seasons—as during the pandemic—reports of brutal violence against women increased. According to one police report, at least 100 women were raped during this period. It experienced 10 murders, underscoring the importance and urgency of her advocacy work.
Chombo, one of just six female members in the 69-member National Assembly, is intent on changing that. Her ultimate goal is to help establish a robust ecosystem that supports young people’s efforts and bolsters entrepreneurial activity throughout Botswana. She has a deep-rooted belief that real impact must be at the heart of any winning effort.
“Impact. Tangible impact. That’s what success would look like to me,” – Lesego Chombo
As one of the youngest leaders to think big about climate, her journey has not been without growing pains. Chombo understands the pressures of society that make it seem like young women can’t do what they do in leadership positions. “As women, we face so many pressures: ‘A woman cannot do this. A woman can’t do that. A woman can’t be young and in leadership.’ I’m currently facing that,” she said.
Chombo is hopeful about her part in creating the future of Botswana. It is the commitment she showed to inspiring young girls and making a social change that exemplifies her faith in the power of youth. “I’ve never been more proud to be young,” she said.
Leave a Reply