18 Dec 2023

Influential women in various fields were honoured with various awards during the 2nd Women Achievers Awards held at Cresta President Hotel in Gaborone on December 16.

The founder of Women Achievers Awards (WAA), Gaolapelwe Matsetse-Mpete said the awards were a unique platform and that they included a mentorship programme aimed at uplifting and empowering young women.

She said the awards were given to woman achievers in various professions who support the success of other women and girls, noting that each honouree was required to mentor a young woman for one year.

Among the winners of the awards were Professor Lebo Rathedi who received the humanitarian champion award, Nana Kgosidialwa, who was given the mentor award and Priscilla K, a performing artist who won the rising star award.

The rising star award was presented to Jessica Masego of Mogapi. Ndiko Muzila, the chief executive officer of Dawnbell Academy, was named the entrepreneur of the year while Katlego Mbaakanyi, the founder of Drones for Africa, received the STEM champion award.

The media personality of the year award went to Masi Sithole, a TV presenter and influencer. Botswana Cheerleaders Association was recognised as the sportswomen of the year

In other categories Gaona Dintwe, a BTV presenter and endometriosis activist, won the activist award while Kgomotso Tshwenyego, an actress, TV and radio personality and founder of Lepatla la Bagodi Foundation, won the legacy award.

Tinevimbo Matambanazo from Zimbabwe won the global women recognition award while Unathi Nare from South Africa was the 1st runner up and Francisca Amoah from Ghana the 2nd runner up.

Tamiwe Lijoni, a women and girl child empowerment advocate from Malawi highlighted the resilience and determination of women in various fields.

She emphasised the need for unity and support among women to achieve their goals and succeed in their respective fields. She said women leaders had a unique perspective and contributed to a more inclusive and equitable society.

On challenges faced by women and girls in Africa, she said it required collective efforts including supporting each other and taking up leadership role. ends