31 Aug 2015

The chief executive officer of Pensions Fund, Ms Boitumelo Molefe says it is a welcome development that Botswana Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) continues to play an advocacy role through active participation and strategy reviews and formulation of meetings.

Officiating at the association’s annual general meeting in Gaborone on Saturday, Ms Molefe said the meetings were to ascertain that the aspirations of women and youth were considered in national plans.

YWCA is known for having sustained programmes such as early childhood care, skills development, hostel, cafeteria, social and health as well as dress-making. Ms Molefe said these strategic initiatives have contributed significantly to access to education as a lifelong learning process.

She observed that BCWA does not only restore human dignity and justice, but facilitates inclusion in sustainable economic growth at individual, family and national levels. The latter, she said, were accolades of a patriot that ascribes to the national aspirations of Vision 2016 of having a prosperous nation.

Ms Molefe said she was humbled that Botswana YWCA annually brings together women and youth to enlighten them on pertinent national issues ranging from socio-economic, health, education and skills development. She noted that the event creates space for women and youth to explore opportunities, share information and experiences on a wide range of human development issues. 

Held under the theme: Christian women and youth today: Sustainability in the business world, she said the theme was in sync with the World YWCA envisioning 2035 and it precedes the World YWCA Council Conference to be held in Bangkok in Thailand from October 11 to 16, under the theme: Bold and transformative leadership towards 2035.

On other issues, Ms Molefe, who joined the association, decried the deteriorating moral fiber of society as the country continues to experience issues of high divorce rates and youth delinquency. She blamed the challenges on the effects of globalisation and urbanisation such as advancement in information technology which has increased access to information that influences peer pressure.

“Society is caught off guard as young people resort to other means such as alcohol and substance abuse, non-traditional sexual orientation, escalating rate of teenage pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. 

Meanwhile she appreciated the continued contribution made by respective YWCA members to ensure that they pass the noble button to the young and upcoming generation, hence she launched YWCA Letlhogela project, which is aimed at recruiting the young into the aging association. She said this would ensure that the association’s mission and vision do not die as the veterans pass on. Ends