The Empowering Journey of Botswana’s Youngest Cabinet Minister**

Lesego Chombo, at just 27 years old, balances her roles as Miss Botswana 2022, attorney, and Botswana's youngest cabinet minister, focusing on addressing youth unemployment, promoting gender equality, and championing social change through her foundation.**

Lesego Chombo is not just a beauty queen; she is a symbol of empowerment for the youth of Botswana. Crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and now elected as the youngest cabinet minister at the age of 26, Chombo's journey has captivated the nation. With a legal background and a passion for social change, she embodies Botswana's future potential.

Her appointment as Minister of Youth and Gender came after a historic political shift in November, when President Duma Boko's party triumphed over a long-standing regime. Chombo, whose youthful spirit and commitment to societal issues impressed the new administration, is now one of six women in the 69-member parliament. She acknowledged her surprise at being appointed, reflecting on how her beauty pageant success propelled her visibility, allowing her to nurture her transformative aspirations.

Through her charitable organization, the Lesego Chombo Foundation, she supports underprivileged youth and their families in rural communities, ensuring their voices are heard. "We must create an environment where young people can thrive," she insists, recognizing the overwhelming youth demographic in Botswana, where nearly 60% of the population is under 35 years old.

Chombo is tackling serious issues facing her country, including soaring youth unemployment rates of 28% and rampant gender-based violence. Despite criticisms, she emphasizes the importance of implementing existing laws rather than adding new frameworks. Her commitment to gender equity is unwavering, advocating for educational curriculums that promote awareness of gender-based violence from an early age.

Moreover, she encourages positive masculinity and mental health discussions among men to foster a more equitable society.

Chombo credits her mother's strength and her educational experiences for her resilience, while also acknowledging the internalized societal pressures women face in leadership roles. As she strides forward, her ambition remains clear: to create lasting change and tangible impact in her community, making her a trailblazer for future generations.

Lesego Chombo's multifaceted role reflects a committed approach to leadership, intertwining her beauty pageantry legacy with serious advocacy, creating a brighter future for Botswana. As she puts it, "I want to ensure that when I leave, someone else is able to carry it through."