19 May 2021

There is no doubt that in today’s world leaders strive for inclusion of women in leadership positions despite the unique challenges female leaders encounter. 

  However, women continue to push through barriers to prove their worth.

Thirty-two-year-old Ms Kuda Tshiamo-Kgati says where there are women there is success and that women leadership is critical and urgent.

Ms Tshiamo-Kgati, who is a Southern African Women in Leadership (SAWIL) 2020 nominee and head of legal services at Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC), believes that leadership is not an issue of position. 

“Each one of us is a leader where she is, hence you should begin where you are to exude leadership qualities,” she said.

Her aspiration is that women who have the expertise, leadership skills and experience should be given the seat at the top table to represent girls and women with the hope that they will inspire other women to aspire for positions of leadership.

Ms Tshiamo-Kgati also pointed out that studies had shown that women were better problem solvers, critical thinkers, self-motivated and have intrinsic driven resilience hence the need to be given the opportunity.

 The other competitive edge women have is the soft skills such as empathy and understanding, she said.

These unique qualities, she said, should propel governments across the globe to ensure change with respect to inclusion and diversity.

The young leader urged society to do away with all social norms that inhibited inclusion and diversity, including the protection of girls and women against all forms of gender-based violence.

Ms Tshiamo-Kgati further believes that countries that were women-led such as Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, New Zealand and Slovakia were successful in responding better to the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world should trust that qualified women were successful in execution of corporate strategies, national agendas and even international affairs, said Ms Tshiamo-Kgati.

“Everytime I hear that a woman, particularly an African woman, is being appointed into a leadership role I am inspired and encouraged knowing that there is hope for each girl child and woman who dares to dream and act. 

For instance, the appointment of women such as Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Dr Athalia Molokomme, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo and recently Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela to the different offices were moments that reminded me that I will fulfil my purpose and reach my destiny if I keep at it,” she said.

Hone the skills necessary to give you those opportunities such as your communication skills, leadership development and emotional intelligence, she said.

Ms Tshiamo-Kgati also encouraged women to support and empower each other starting with the basic principles of who they are.

“Women, if the table is not coming to you, take a folding chair and join them at the decision-making table. Set realistic and smart goals, be unapologetic and intentional about producing results, specialise in excellence and customer service and have passion about what you do and the universe will take care of the rest,” she said.

She also urged employers to eliminate barriers and stereotypes against promotion, development and inclusion of women.

The trailblazer further emphasised that gender equality was a necessity to foster effective sustainable development.

She added that where gender inequality gaps were bridged, women had access to equal opportunities and were not restricted from participating in decision making.

Women should not merely be passive beneficiaries, but their skills, expertise and experiences should be integrated for the holistic transformation of society, she said.

Since being awarded the SAWIL 2020, Ms Tshiamo-Kgati said she was grateful that she had received many invites from within the country and across Africa to speak in platforms she would have never penetrated.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, some of the invites she conducted virtually, adding that she had also received several mentoring offers where she was coached for leadership and corporate governance.

“However, the most important one for me is being able to give back. I have partnered with Girls for Girls Botswana as a mentor and have been actively meeting with girls and young women fortnightly to discuss issues that affected us as women and basically sharing experiences on how we can further develop ourselves and stay relevant in our different areas of influence,” she said.

Ms Tshiamo-Kgati has also taken on board law graduates that she mentors every two weeks. ends