Empowering Change: Lesego Chombo's Vision as Botswana's Youngest Cabinet Minister**

At just 27 years old, Lesego Chombo has stepped into a groundbreaking role as Botswana's youngest cabinet minister, aiming to inspire youth engagement and combat gender-based violence through policy reform and social initiatives.**

Lesego Chombo, crowned Miss Botswana 2022, is making waves as the country's youngest cabinet minister, bringing a unique blend of advocacy and policy-making to her role. At the age of 27, she has quickly become a prominent figure in Botswana's political landscape, representing the new direction sought by President Duma Boko's administration. Following a historic electoral win for the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Chombo was appointed by a president who had never met her—a testament to the potential the new leadership sees in her.

Chombo's appointment to the Ministry of Youth and Gender signals a commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Botswana, where nearly 60% of the population is under 35 years old, and youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. "I've never been more proud to be young," she has declared, emphasizing her dedication to youth development and gender equality. Her foundation, the Lesego Chombo Foundation, aims to uplift underprivileged youth and their families, aligning with her governmental goals of creating a supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs.

With the current unemployment rate at 28%, particularly affecting young women, Chombo is on an ambitious path to galvanize youth-led initiatives. As part of her strategy, she is advocating for significant changes, including quotas for young entrepreneurs in government contracts and promoting gender equity across sectors. President Boko's administration is also focused on combatting systemic corruption, which has hampered Botswana’s economic diversity.

Chombo has faced criticism regarding her stance on gender-based violence (GBV), with a recent UN report indicating that over 67% of women in Botswana have encountered abuse—more than double the global average. Despite pushback, Chombo remains steadfast in her belief that existing laws need better implementation rather than creating new mechanisms. She is determined to push for the execution of the Gender-Based Violence Act while also advocating for comprehensive education programs that address GBV from a young age.

Recognizing the importance of inclusive dialogue in solving societal issues, Chombo has also called for discussions that involve male perspectives, particularly focusing on mental health and positive masculinity. "We strive for gender equity," she explained, underscoring that the conversation seamlessly includes everyone.

Chombo attributes her success and resilience to the strong women in her life, especially her mother, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by women who inspire a new generation. "As women, we face so many pressures; I'm currently facing that," she remarks, noting the societal expectations placed upon young female leaders.

With her newfound political platform, Chombo is clear about her mission: to create tangible and sustainable impact within her country. "Impact. Tangible impact. That's what success would look like to me," she expressed. As she looks to the future, Chombo remains hopeful that her efforts will cultivate a legacy of positive change long after her tenure ends.