09 Feb 2026

Many women have challenged patriarchal structures, advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.

These individuals have worked to dismantle social, political and economic systems that perpetuate male dominance, living behind lasting impact on society. 

Women in trade unions have equally challenged patriarchal structures, advocating gender equality and social justice, often pushing for changes in workplace policies and laws. 

They have worked to address the gender pay gap, formalise informal work and secure family-friendly policies through collective bargaining, social dialogue and legal action. 

While women’s leadership within unions remains underrepresented, they continue to play a vital role in promoting equality and challenging gender-based discrimination. 

Among the many women who raised their arm in trade union leadership is Masego Mogwera. She stood as a woman among many, strong and firm and raised the altar of leadership that challenged the status quo.

Armed with nothing else but her brains, the chief shopsteward worked herself up through the ladder into the top leadership of Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) from 1996 until 2024 when she retired from active unionism, proving to the world that women are capable of leading big organisations.

In an interview, the former president of BOPEU, one of the largest trade Unions in Botswana boosting membership of over 36,000, said it takes bravery and confidence for one to lead such a big organisation.  

She said it took an arm and leg for her to stand tall among women and men, solidifying her capacity and ability to lead.

“Women should know that being in leadership comes with an epiboly of challenges especially from men who often feel uncomfortable being led by a woman,” she said.

Ms Mogwera said nothing is given on a silver platter especially for those like her, who were born without a silver spoon. One has to prove beyond measure and show the world what they are capable of. 

In a society where men have always been given an upper hand in leadership and women relegated to following the lead, it becomes challenging for women to rise under such circumstances.

Nevertheless, her circumstances may be different, her association with BOPEU is rooted on a formidable foundation, dating back to the days when it was an association, the Botswana Civil Servants Association (BCSA).

To be specific, Mogwera joined BOPEU, the then BCSA in 1996 while based in Moelpolole, when she served as its vice secretary. She fully attest to the formation of BOPEU, from its embryonic days to becoming what it is today, “a Union of Choice.”

Ms Mogwera shared how the union used to suffer challenging situations emanating from among others scarce resources which forced members to dig into their pockets to finance union activities.

Back then, Ms Mogwera said being a trade unionist was solely born out of passion and the inherent desire to serve other public servants, while on the other hand not comprising your work.

She said in 2007, the association BCSA was unionised to become BOPEU, followed by the amendment of the constitution in 2008. Some of the assignments of the transformation era involving her input was to review the logo. 

At the core of the review of the union constitution, was the aspect of women empowerment. The consensus was the position of second deputy president be reserved for women members. The individual who gets elected to it will also become the chairperson of the women council.

The amendment of the union’s constitution was followed by the Maun conference, where she was elected the vice-president of BOPEU, a position she held for two terms until 2015, subsequently contesting for first deputy president position. 

Her ascend to the epitome of BOPEU happened in 2018, making history as the first woman to hold such a position and lead a large organisation such as BOPEU. 

Before then, Mogwera said led BOFEPUSU in 2010, an era which saw public servants failing to agree terms with government, resulting in the 2011 public service strike, dubbed the mother of all strikes. 

Quizzed on what it takes to be a trade union leader, Mogwera said “trade unionism is not a small thing, it needs one to be selfless and volunteer your life to the Union.”

“It is calling. Leadership is a calling. It is not about self. I compare it to pastoralism. It is no longer about you,” she said. 

Ms Mogwera said one has to be level-headed, confront challenges and deal with all obstacles laid before them.

She said the most challenging part of woman in leadership was creating a balance between family and the union. As a single mother she had to strike a balance between family time and union assignments, at times finding herself at dire-straits.  

As a union leader, Ms Mogwera said one must be bold and jealously guard union members who have entrusted her with the leadership and have their confidence in her to deliver as per the mandate. 

Ms Mogwera describes herself as one of the few women who have managed to assume leadership positions, breaking the male dominance stereotype. However, she pity the lack of support that other women who were eager to vie for leadership positions were subjected to. 

“Sometimes men will intimidate women leaders through false proposals of love so that they can use that as a tool to destroy her. My advice to women attaining higher position of responsibility is that they should not fall into the trap of falling in love with their subordinates or anyone from the membership as that is a dangerous trap,” she said.

Furthermore, she said men tend to intimidate women in leadership as they believe that they have invaded their territory, a situation she was subjected.

“They tried and failed as I was strong enough to stand my ground and stamp my authority,” she said.

Mogwera said it was unfortunate that some men would view a woman as less competent and not intelligent enough to lead.

“There are many stories of bravery and competency that proves women are capable,” she said. 

“During my tenure as BOPEU leader (2019-2021), I went through turbulence, at the hands of men, but because I knew my innocence, I fought to the end and those men fell,” she added. 

Ms Mogwera implored women in leadership to sail the ship to the shore, never to surrender, but fight until the end. 

Mogwera’s reign at the helm of BOPEU was subjected to court battles, but she fought and persevered to complete her term in office.

“In 2021 after I won the elections, I made a declaration that I will retire at the end of my term in 2024,” she said.

A woman with a never give up mentality, Mogwera joined public service holding a certificate in Bee Keeping. Currently, she holds a Masters in Public Relations. 

She went on to undertake other short courses to enhance her career and be relevant in her field of trade unionism and understanding the language of labour relations. 

She said her journey in trade unionism was a basket full of excitement, challenges and sad moments. Mogwera believes in decision that we made through consensus, where everyone was given a say. 

While the voice of the majority reigns supreme in many cases, Ms Mogwera said in an idle situation, the minority must equally be given a platform. 

The “Iron Lady,” as many called her during her tenure at the helm of BOPEU said it was unfortunate to observe that women were not supporting their peers. 

She said women should stand together and fight any form of evil aimed at frustrating their efforts to occupy power positions.  

Besides the trials and tribulations she was subjected to, Mogwera her journey through BOPEU structure which included the presidency was a marvel, most importantly as the union gave her a chance to prove her worth.

“I rose from fame to famous and many young women and men looked up to me as a role model and I continue to provide mentorship for all,” she said. 

Mogwera was also impressed by the growth that BOPEU has experienced over the years. Even though still vulnerable to tensions, Ms Mogwera said the internal wars of the union were manageable.

She was also happy to be leaving at a time when BOPUE is on the verge of receiving their license for its first insurance company. BOPA