07 Nov 2019

It is high time  women entrepreneurs were celebrated, mentored and led to the creation of sustainable jobs, says

 First Lady Ms Neo Masisi.

 Speaking at the De Beers Group 4th edition of the Women Summit in Gaborone November 7, Ms Masisi said women should be embraced for their contribution to the economy.

She expressed gratitude to the  De Beers Group for having advanced women’s affairs, not only in Botswana but in other African communities where they operated.

Held under the theme ‘Bridging Leadership and Purpose for Socio-economic Impact,’ Ms Masisi said the theme was appropriate noting that it was also an opportune time to discuss women’s issues.

That, she said, was because next year would be 25 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action focusing on women’s rights and empowerment.

It was also an opportune time as women were at the centre of discussions on the achievement of Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals which were interrelated.

True leaders, Ms Masisi said, did not believe in titles but in responsibility and opportunities adding they strived to make a difference in the lives of other people.

She stressed the importance of purpose and passion saying “if one does not know their purpose they cannot communicate as well as effectively execute ambition and mandate of the organisation they serve.”

Purpose, she added,  enabled one to stay laser-focused on what they wished to build as well as the legacy and impact they wanted to make.

Without purpose, she said, it was difficult to build a culture of authenticity and passion.

“All great achievements start with passion and such passion motivates and fulfills everything whether political, economic and socioeconomic interests. 

Also passion shapes one on how they view the world and shapes one on who they connect with,” she said.

In her presentation,  International Leadership Association (ILA) president, Dr Cynthia Cherrey said the power of purpose was important in today’s leadership.

 She thus encouraged women to have purpose and a global mindset. ENDS