To commemorate International Women’s Day by recognising and acknowledging the collective progress made towards building a more equitable society set up to promote the grace and growth of women and girls, the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) hosted a women’s day breakfast session under the theme “Ring the Bell for ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
The venue, swathed in shades of pink and white to cherish the femininity, radiance and strength of womanhood, was meticulously decorated to exude an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. As if the planner had a premonition of the vulnerability and deep connections, the space was designed to create openness, allowing participants the freedom and comfort to reach deep within, into a place where they could be truly themselves, engaging without reservation or hesitation.
“Are we taking the right and necessary steps to achieve gender equality and equity, and is the progress moving at the pace that it should be? If not, how can we accelerate more meaningful change beyond the roundtable discussions and brunch sessions?” -Those were the burning questions for the day!
While recognising the strides that have been made, at the core of the conversation was the challenges that persist, and how we can all ensure the empowerment of women and girls on a more effective scale.
The keynote speaker, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, a woman of many firsts, delivered a heartfelt speech that touched on systemic weeds that stunt the development and growth of women, deterring them from blossoming into their most successful selves.
What truly tugged at the heartstrings of many, was her personal story of overcoming doubt, betrayal and sabotage to claim her rightful title as Paramount Chief of Balete. She underscored the importance of braving the storms, and setting one’s sights on their goals, despite adversity. She also spoke to the importance of breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in economic and leadership spaces.
She stated, “representation matters. The more women are included in leadership and decision-making roles, the more inclusive and progressive our policies and institutions become. The underrepresentation of women in politics, corporate boardrooms, and policy-making bodies is not due to a lack of capability but rather systemic barriers that limit opportunities for advancement.”
A dynamic panel discussion themed “Breaking Barriers: Women and Girls Shaping the Future, provided valuable insights into the strides made toward gender equality in various fields and spaces, the challenges that remain, and the role of women in shaping a more inclusive future.
Through the lens of Dr. Poloko Ntswarang, a Lecturer at the University of Botswana, the audience had the opportunity to appreciate gender inequality from the education perspective, while Tshepiso Nkate, CFA Representative from CFA Society South Africa, addressed the multi-layered and almost impenetrable double glass ceiling which results in reduced opportunities, lower representation in leadership, and potentially lower pay and career satisfaction.
Elisa Modikwa, Country Manager at Giyani Metals shared tidbits on breaking free from the stereotypical moulds that often hold women back from achieving in abundance. Finally, Kopano Bolokwe, Acting CEO at BSE was there to add some flavour, giving the men a voice in this soul-stirring conversation. His advice-“men should be more attuned to women’s needs and challenges, listening closely to acknowledge and respond with meaningful action.”
As the session unfolded, it became clear that while progress has been made, there’s still work to do. The speakers and the audience all agreed that there was a need for real action, beyond the pretty brunch meetings and empowerment forums. They stressed the need for intense action from grassroots level to destroy systemic barriers, that continue to limit opportunities for women and girls.
The event was a reminder that women’s empowerment is not just a distant goal, but something that can be actively nurtured, supported, and celebrated today. It was a beautiful day, both in theme and atmosphere, a reminder that progress can happen when women come together, whether through formal discussions or simply by enjoying each other’s company in a space that celebrates their worth.
