Youth for Gender Equality Foundation Celebrates Completion
The foundation says it's committed to further empowering Botswana's youth and women in political endeavors after the successful training.
GABORONE, Botswana— The Youth for Gender Equality Foundation is celebrating the successful conclusion of an intensive political training retreat aimed at equipping young people and women with leadership skills, writes Nkeletsang Morapedi.
The three-day retreat was held April 8-10 at Botswana National Youth Council facilities in the capital of Gaborone.
It was organized by Baboloki Semele, founder and trustee of the foundation and a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus.
"The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by all the participants were truly inspiring," Semele said.
"Not only did the retreat equip potential leaders with essential skills, but it also ignited a vital dialogue on enhancing inclusivity in political frameworks."
Thirty participants attended workshops and sessions covering the political sphere and strategies for overcoming obstacles facing youth and women.
The $5,000 program was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of State.
Participants emerged calling for expansion of the training nationwide and consensus on reforming the allocation of specially elected parliamentary seats to divide them equally between women and youth.
The retreat was part of a reciprocal exchange with Samyuktha Mahadevan, programs manager at the University of Virginia's Karsh Institute of Democracy.
It received contributions including venue support from the Botswana National Youth Council and certificate sponsorship from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
The foundation says it's committed to further empowering Botswana's youth and women in political endeavors after the successful training.