09 Mar 2026

Empowering women and girls is crucial for accelerating economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development, said Ms Patricia Tomlinson, Kanye Business Council, at a recent International Women’s Day commemoration event in Moshana

Speaking on the theme : Give to Gain: Advancing Justice, Equality and Empowerment for Women and Girls, Ms Tomlinson emphasised that investing in women and girls was a strategic necessity. 

“When we pursue equality, we unlock talent that would otherwise remain untapped, when we advance justice we strengthen trust in institutions,” she said.

Ms Tomlinson urged the public to recognise women as active agents of development, and for the private sector to create space for women-owned enterprises and ensure fair workplace practices.

National Gender Commissioner and BONELA Chairperson, Ms Njiramanda Mbewe-Boatey, echoed these sentiments, stating that empowering women was a matter of national progress and development. 

She highlighted that investing in women strengthened families, builds resilient communities and drives economic productivity, citing global studies that show a potential US$28 trillion boost to the world economy if women participated in the labour force at the same rate as men.

Ms Mbewe-Boatey emphasised the need for gender-responsive national policies and budgets, prioritising investments in maternal health, girls’ education, childcare support and women-owned enterprises.

For her part, Mohumagadi Mmasetsebi Gaseitsiwe of Bangwaketse reiterated that educating women and giving them opportunities was a strategic empowerment of families, inculcation of peace and success of the nation. 

She implored women to unite toward empowerment of each through skills sharing on business skills like knitting, crocheting and preservation of food among others. Mma Gaseitsiwe urged men to assume the responsibility of raising the girl child by giving them respect and support to achieve their intended life goals. BOPA