Chombo's unique blend of beauty, legal expertise, and political acumen positions her as a revolutionary figure in Botswana's government.
**Botswana's Trailblazing Young Leader: Lesego Chombo Balances Beauty, Law, and Politics**
**Botswana's Trailblazing Young Leader: Lesego Chombo Balances Beauty, Law, and Politics**
Lesego Chombo, Miss Botswana 2022 and the youngest cabinet minister, advocates for youth and gender issues.
Lesego Chombo, a vibrant 27-year-old, stands at the intersection of beauty, law, and politics as Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister. Crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, Chombo’s achievements transcend pageantry—she is a practicing lawyer, philanthropist, and a crucial voice for youth and gender equality in her country. Appointed by President Duma Boko, whose government aims to foster youth entrepreneurship and combat economic dependency on diamonds, Chombo has embraced her role as Minister of Youth and Gender.
"I’ve never been more proud to be young," she declared at her ministry’s headquarters in Gaborone, emphasizing her dedication to advocating for youth development, gender equality, and the welfare of children. While Chombo was specially elected and did not campaign for parliamentary status, her rise to office came as a pleasant surprise, enabling her to leverage her beauty queen platform for social change.
Since her crowning, she has passionately driven initiatives through the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which assists disadvantaged children and their families in rural regions. As she embarks on her political journey, Chombo is acutely aware of the challenges Botswana faces: a 28% unemployment rate, particularly affecting the youth and women, and systemic corruption. She aims to create an environment where young people can thrive by fostering youth-led initiatives and ensuring their involvement in decision-making.
Chombo acknowledges the pressing issue of gender-based violence in Botswana, where over 67% of women have suffered abuse—twice the global average. Despite criticism for her parliamentary decisions, she insists that better public awareness and the rigorous implementation of existing laws are essential to combat this crisis. She advocates for a more holistic approach to education that includes lessons on gender equity and violence prevention from a young age.
Her advocacy work extends to addressing men’s issues, particularly mental health and positive masculinity, reflecting her broader commitment to fostering gender equity in all forms. A law graduate from the University of Botswana, Chombo credits influential women in her life, particularly her mother, for inspiring her to break societal barriers surrounding young women in leadership.
As she continues to navigate her multifaceted role, Chombo remains focused on achieving "tangible impact," with hopes that her initiatives will lead to sustainable change in Botswana. "When I leave, someone else should be able to carry it through," she expressed, solidifying her legacy as a leader rooted in purpose and social responsibility.
"I’ve never been more proud to be young," she declared at her ministry’s headquarters in Gaborone, emphasizing her dedication to advocating for youth development, gender equality, and the welfare of children. While Chombo was specially elected and did not campaign for parliamentary status, her rise to office came as a pleasant surprise, enabling her to leverage her beauty queen platform for social change.
Since her crowning, she has passionately driven initiatives through the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which assists disadvantaged children and their families in rural regions. As she embarks on her political journey, Chombo is acutely aware of the challenges Botswana faces: a 28% unemployment rate, particularly affecting the youth and women, and systemic corruption. She aims to create an environment where young people can thrive by fostering youth-led initiatives and ensuring their involvement in decision-making.
Chombo acknowledges the pressing issue of gender-based violence in Botswana, where over 67% of women have suffered abuse—twice the global average. Despite criticism for her parliamentary decisions, she insists that better public awareness and the rigorous implementation of existing laws are essential to combat this crisis. She advocates for a more holistic approach to education that includes lessons on gender equity and violence prevention from a young age.
Her advocacy work extends to addressing men’s issues, particularly mental health and positive masculinity, reflecting her broader commitment to fostering gender equity in all forms. A law graduate from the University of Botswana, Chombo credits influential women in her life, particularly her mother, for inspiring her to break societal barriers surrounding young women in leadership.
As she continues to navigate her multifaceted role, Chombo remains focused on achieving "tangible impact," with hopes that her initiatives will lead to sustainable change in Botswana. "When I leave, someone else should be able to carry it through," she expressed, solidifying her legacy as a leader rooted in purpose and social responsibility.
