07 Mar 2024

 It is through economic empowerment that women can be liberated from HIV and gender-based violence (GBV), First Lady Neo Masisi has said.

Speaking at the inaugural Moreki, Morekisi Itsaneng, in Gaborone, Wednesday, First Lady Masisi said there was a very close link between economic empowerment, GBV and HIV hence her Unifying Campaign launched in November last year, which pursues issues of women empowerment.

The event, which was graced  by Estonia First Lady Sirje Karis showcased some local fashion, arts and crafts, as well as traditional cuisine.

First Lady Masisi said the Unifying Campaign initiated by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development hinged on closing the barrier and it looked at four pillars of GBV, education, health and economic empowerment.

Talking about the Moreki, Morekisi Itsaneng, she said the event provided women with the opportunity to showcase their diverse talents and original ideas used in providing for their families, to improve livelihoods, in the end, liberating them from their daily struggles.

“These are women who have journeyed through the entrepreneurship trail, which had not been smooth, yet they continued to persevere. We know the challenges of small businesses, ranging from access to capital, affordable space, marketing costs and steep competition. That is why I have given these women an opportunity to showcase their projects and inspiring stories,” added First Lady Masisi.

She said the concept Moreki, Morekisi Itsaneng also offered a chance for the buyer and the seller to know each other especially since the market place was driven by needs.

“The seller must know what the buyer needs, most importantly, because as they say a customer is key,” she said.

In her appreciation remarks, First Lady Karis emphasised the importance of education and knowledge acquisition saying they guaranteed a successful future, independence and better income.

She also said it was important to empower both the boy and girl child with business skills as future skills.“In our country, we consider it very important that every person can be him or herself and follow his or her path. Going your way can be easy, but the key to that is in good education. This is the best investment you can have, especially girls,” she said.

She said Estonia and Botswana were small countries with hard working people and shared the same values with almost similar flags.

For his part, the assistant minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mabuse Pule commended First Lady Masisi for coming up with the Moreki, Morekisi Itsaneng event, saying it would provide an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase Botswana culture in the form of fashion and various locally produces merchandise.

“I know, this aspect of inclusion is very dear and close to your heart, First Lady, and I acknowledge the good work that has been put in preparation for this event aimed at promoting effective participation of women in economic development,” he said.Pule expressed delight that Estonia and Botswana shared similar women empowerment values, saying this was evident in  Estonia’s adoption of its Welfare Development Plan, which also promoted gender equality.

In his vote of thanks, youth, gender, sport and culture assistant minister, Buti Billy said businesses were essential and added value to the country’s economic sphere.

For that reason, he encouraged local entrepreneurs to classify customers according to their needs, form collaborations and networks and invest in good packaging of products to attract customers.

The inaugural event featured 20 exhibitors showcasing local products and services and a fashion show with local fashion designers showcasing a glimpse of the versatile creations that Botswana has to offer. 

The exhibitions were also meant to inspire other women and the youth to become entrepreneurs and create jobs. ENDS