Speaking during a women’s empowerment conference organised by the Ghanzi Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB) and spearheaded by the Pastors’ Wives Fellowship in partnership with the Department of Youth and Gender, Mr Salakae emphasised that caring for others was a true reflection of God’s love.

The Ghanzi North legislator commended the EFB for their donation to the Ghanzi Primary Hospital maternity wing, stating that the gesture proved God’s love through an unconditional and sacrificial act to save humanity.

He noted that women remained the most vulnerable group in communities, making it crucial to empower them through spiritual guidance interventions to help them face life’s challenges.

Spiritual guidance, according to Mr Salakae, would equip them to address societal pressures such as alcohol and drug abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), poor parenting, child neglect, abusive relationships and failing marriages, which continued to have devastating effects on communities.

He therefore implored women to unite and collaborate with other stakeholders in their communities to reduce the risks causing havoc in society.

Mr Salakae added that women are a force to be reckoned with, stating that ‘when women stand, the world rejoices.’ 

He urged them to appreciate and recognise the power they possess to turn difficult situations around.

Furthermore, he implored the ministry fraternal to hold perpetrators of unlawful deeds accountable under the law, instead of protecting them.

When outlining the objectives of the event, the Chairperson of the Pastors’ Wives Fellowship, Ms Oarabile Tsenene, mentioned that the EFB is tasked with extending the love of God to disadvantaged communities.

 This is achieved through various interventions, such as spiritual upliftment and counselling services, which she said have the potential to build spiritually resilient communities.

She also stated that through their fellowship movement, they equip women and other disadvantaged groups with life-changing skills to empower them to embrace their purpose and potential.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Pastor Kaelo Tlotleng said the EFB is a nationally recognised organisation affiliated with the World Evangelical Alliance and the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. 

Its purpose is to provide fellowship among Christians and prompt a unified direction for spiritual revival.

He said the movement is also mandated to promote cooperation and networking with other faith-based organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the government.

Pastor Tlotleng lobbied the government to recognise faith-based organisations and NGOs in their endeavours to help nations address societal issues that destroy the moral fabric of society. 

He noted that through strong collaborations, they can reduce these negative effects and promote peace and harmony.

In his closing remarks, the Ghanzi District Council Chairperson, Mr Thabiso Kebadile, applauded the EFB for its commitment to promoting God’s love within disadvantaged communities.

He implored Christians to keep the faith and pray for resilient communities during these trying times when the government was challenged by economic instability.

Meanwhile, the event was also graced by facilitators from the Botswana Police Service, who taught parents about drug and substance abuse; the Botswana Prison Service, who spoke on parenting skills; and the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), who highlighted business opportunities that women can venture into to uplift their livelihoods.

The conference was held under the theme, ‘Arise o’ Women. ENDS