07 Feb 2022

History was made yesterday as Ms Peggy Serame presented the budget speech as the first female finance and economic development minister.
For her, doing so after five decades of independence, was significant in many aspects.
“I believe that there have been equally competent and deserving female compatriots, and there are many more, who can do this job,” Ms Serame told a media conference after delivering her maiden national budget speech.
That she was the first female minister to deliver the budget, to her, proved that women were equally capable of leading, thus slamming as a myth, a well-known belief that women were not supportive of one another.
“My greatest support system in life are women. Let us do it together as women for the benefit of the nation,” she said.
Responding to questions in relation to her post, Ms Serame said her priorities upon assuming the position of Minister of Finance and Economic Development were not by any chance self-centred but rather aimed at serving all.
“It is about the nation’s priorities. I came in at a difficult time, and my first priority was saving Batswana from COVID-19 and execute to the fullest of my ability all other priorities that came with the position,” she said.
In her message of appreciation, Ms Serame said attaining a position of leadership was not reserved for men and it should not be determined by one’s background.
 Ms Serame said attitude, will and determination would take the girl-child to their desired dreams.
“I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the nation. I pray to do it with integrity and to the best of my knowledge. All what God has given to you, give it to the world,” she said.
Ms Serame said her position was testimony that women were capable in all respects. Minister Serame was grateful of being the first woman to have achieved such a feat after five decades.
Women led by the  Parliamentary Caucus for Women, gathered at the National Assembly to rally behind and usher in one of their own.
The idea to celebrate Ms Serame as the first woman to lead the finance ministry, Parliamentary Caucus for Women chairperson, Dr Unity Dow said, was the brain child of the newly appointed Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Talita Monnakgotla.
Dr Dow said Ms Serame was a standard bearer to the young women and the girl-child,and had demonstrated to other women that it was possible for them to lead.
She said through hard work, a woman could reach a desired level.
She said through the inspiration of Ms Serame, a young woman could now stand tall and be proud.
She said the message that Ms Serame sent to the nation was that a person should not only be rejected because of femininity but rather be given a chance to prove their mettle. “You are here to guide and empower young women and the girl-child,” Dr Dow said.
Meanwhile, a young woman who graced the occasion, Ms Zanele Kokorwe acknowledged the opportunity of sharing a platform with an inspirational woman.
Ms Kokorwe said from her childhood, she had been working hard to get recognition as someone with value and was aspiring to climb the leadership ladder.
“It is without doubt that Ms Serame is capable. Even when it gets tough, please be inspired and do it for us. The idea of women empowerment is an appeal to the feminine group to stand together and support one another,” Ms Kokorwe said. ENDS