12 Aug 2025

A leading social entrepreneur and civic leader, Ms Vehae Tjiriange, exemplifies that success is born from hard work.

 The young woman, passionate about advocating for gender equality and youth leadership, has been awarded a prestigious Rotary Peace Fellowship to pursue her studies in Japan.

Ms Tjiriange will start her academic journey at the International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo in September 2025. 

She will undertake a fully funded Master’s Degree in Peace Studies (Policy and Social Research), courtesy of the Rotary Peace Fellowship. Renowned globally, this scholarship equips emerging leaders with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to promote peace, prevent conflict, and foster sustainable development.

As the founding coordinator of the Queen Esther Organisation, based in Maun, Ms Tjiriange has dedicated her efforts to empowering girls and young women through leadership training, mentorship, and civic engagement. Under her leadership, the organization has implemented transformative programs such as Lead Girl, reaching underserved and remote communities in Botswana’s North West District. 

The initiative is now expanding its reach into South Africa and Cameroon. To date, the organisation has mentored over 100 young women, helping them assume leadership roles and ensuring rural voices are included in regional and national peace and gender equality dialogues.

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is among the world’s most competitive scholarships, awarded annually to individuals with a proven record of advancing peace, conflict resolution, and community development. 

The fellowship is offered at centers located in countries such as Japan, the United States, Australia, and Uganda. 

Botswana has previously seen four recipients study at Makerere University in Uganda, with Ms Tjiriange being the first to study at ICU in Tokyo since the program’s inception.

In an interview, Ms Tjiriange expressed her gratitude for the support received from Rotarians and fellow Rotary Peace Fellows. 

She praised the organisation’s commitment to nurturing future peacebuilders and highlighted their efforts to establish Botswana’s first online Rotary Club, aimed at creating inclusive and accessible fellowship opportunities.

“I am not special, but I believe my success is a result of hard work.  This achievement is not just for me but for countless women and community leaders across Botswana working tirelessly to promote peace and development in their families and communities. 

This fellowship offers an invaluable opportunity to pause, learn, and deepen our impact by connecting with other leaders, strengthening networks, and sharing knowledge,” she said.

Ms Tjiriange committed to representing Botswana with integrity on the global stage and vowed to continue fostering peaceful, equitable communities both locally and internationally.

Supported by a global network of Rotarians and Rotary Peace Fellows, she has benefited from mentorship and partnerships, including collaborations with the Hamilton Rotary Club in Canada. 

Beyond her civic work, Ms Tjiriange is an alumna of the United States International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP), focusing on leadership development for girls and young women. 

She is also a former beauty queen, having held titles such as Miss Malaika 2005 and 1st Princess at Miss Global International 2007.

Her extensive work includes serving as a district coordinator for Dipalametse, a national initiative led by Botswana’s former First Lady, aimed at accelerating efforts against HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse. ENDS