06 Jul 2015

Some of life’s struggles have taught some women to be fully in control of their lives and be more aware of the strength they possess to change their lives and that of people they live with.

This adage is the main reason behind a group of women in Mandunyane who started a women empowerment society that helps women discuss issues that affect their daily lives like women abuse and extreme poverty which has been proven to be rampant among women.

The society, which is called BommeBetsho, is in its fourth month of existence and has been growing in leaps and bounds and now boasts twenty members, mostly women who believe that they are mothers of the nations and should be treasured like diamonds.

In an interview with BOPA recently, one of the society’s founders, Ms Gorata Opelo stated that women deserves to know that they are as capable and talented as men and at times should be left to make important decision of significance without anyone doubting them.

“Women have proven capable in every sphere of decision making and it’s really humbling that our president believes in women capability greatly, hence why we have the Governor of Bank of Botswana and the Attorney General as women,” she said.

Ms Opelo explained that it was disheartening that many women today look down upon themselves and think they can never sustain themselves economically without the assistance of a man; hence the reason why many women today subject themselves to abuse just so they get monthly financial contributions from their partners, something which she said robbed women of their dignity.
Mrs Opelo, who is a widow, explained that she is an independent woman.

“Ever since I lost my husband in 2012, I sustain myself through my vegetable business.

 I buy vegetables from South Africa and sell them at a flea market in Francistown where I make enough money to sustain my children. 

‘’This is the kind of independence we preach in our society to other women,” she noted.

Another member of the society, Miss Jennifer Sethunya said women are the backbone of the nation, their families, and are loving and caring people.

“Here at BommeBetsho we encourage our members to report abuse of every nature from their partners without fear and that they should engage in businesses to augment their lives. 

It is high time women should stop figure pointing and take control of their lives,” she concluded. ENDS