•Chombo Has Established Herself as the Boldest Voice for Youth and Gender Equity
At just 26 years old, Lesego Chombo shattered the political glass ceiling to become Botswana’s youngest-ever cabinet minister, adding yet another milestone to a remarkable trajectory that spans beauty, law, and activism.
Crowned Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, Chombo has rapidly transitioned from pageant stages to parliamentary chambers, where she now serves as Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs—a role she approaches with unflinching clarity and purpose.
While many know her as the poised and articulate pageant winner, few grasp the depth of the journey that has brought her to the apex of political influence in Botswana.
From Shorobe to the Statehouse: A Humble Start
Raised in the rural village of Shorobe in Botswana’s North-West District, Chombo’s early life was defined by modest means but a boundless drive for excellence.
Her academic path led her to the University of Botswana, where she studied law and became active in student leadership and community programs.
Post-graduation, she honed her legal skills with internships at Baliki Corporate Law and later at Kebabonye Business Law, where she rose to the rank of associate.
Chombo’s introduction to public life came early, beginning with the Queen Esther pageant in 2012, but it was her victory in the Miss Botswana 2022 contest that launched her onto the national stage.
However, for Chombo, pageantry was never simply about beauty—it was a platform for advocacy.
Beauty With a Purpose: The Genesis Project and Beyond
Chombo used her Miss Botswana title to spearhead The Genesis Project, a national initiative focused on child wellness. Operating under the Miss World “Beauty With a Purpose” framework, the project tackled issues of child safety, education, emotional well-being, and development—particularly in underserved communities, including her own hometown of Shorobe.
Her passion and eloquence earned her international acclaim. After an impressive showing at the Miss World 2023 competition, she was crowned Miss World Africa 2024, giving Botswana a prominent voice on the global stage.
In tandem, she launched the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which provides support to underprivileged youth and families, and founded Law Talks, a digital platform aimed at making legal knowledge accessible to ordinary citizens.
An Unconventional Political Ascent
Chombo’s entry into politics was as swift as it was unexpected. Without ever having run for public office, she was appointed a specially elected Member of Parliament—one of only six women in Botswana’s 69-member National Assembly. Days later, she was sworn in as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs.
“I got appointed by a president who had never met me,” she told the BBC. “Miss World and the journey I thought was my final destination was actually the platform through which I was seen for this role.”
At just 27, she is now at the forefront of addressing two of Botswana’s most pressing issues: youth unemployment and gender-based violence.
Tackling Youth Unemployment Head-On
With nearly 60% of Botswana’s population under 35 and youth unemployment hovering above 28%, Chombo has prioritized building a youth ecosystem.
Her strategy includes pushing for increased procurement quotas for youth-owned businesses, creating inclusive development policies, and fostering an environment where young people are not just participants in the economy, but drivers of transformation.
“I’ve never been more proud to be young,” Chombo said. “I’m passionate about youth development, gender equality, and the future of our children.”
Championing Gender Equity in a Divided Landscape
Chombo’s leadership on gender issues has sparked both praise and controversy. Amid growing public outrage over rising cases of rape and femicide, she faced backlash for voting against a parliamentary motion to establish “peace desks” at police stations to support survivors of gender-based violence.
Despite the criticism, Chombo has remained candid and reflective: “It hurts to know that it could be me next,” she said, citing figures that show over 67% of women in Botswana have experienced abuse, a rate more than twice the global average.
Rather than relying solely on reactive measures, Chombo advocates for preventive and educational approaches, including gender-based violence awareness in schools, parental modeling of respectful behavior, and positive masculinity.
“When we speak of gender equality, we’re saying it should be applied equally for everyone. But what we strive for is gender equity,” she emphasizes, noting the need to tailor solutions to unequal historical and societal contexts.
She has also been vocal about the importance of mental health support for men, recognizing that dismantling patriarchy requires attention to the societal pressures and emotional repression that many men face.
Clear Eyes, Full Vision
Despite her rapid ascent, Chombo remains grounded in her mission. She speaks often about the difference between visibility and impact, insisting that her legacy must be tangible and sustainable.
“Impact. Tangible impact. That’s what success looks like to me,” she says. “I want to look back and see that it’s real and sustainable — and that when I leave, someone else can carry it through.”
In an era where youthful voices are reshaping global leadership, Lesego Chombo stands out not just for her age or accolades, but for her clarity of purpose.
From the catwalk to the cabinet, she embodies a new kind of public servant: passionate, prepared, and unapologetically committed to change.
Lesego Chombo’s story is not just a testament to personal triumph—it is a blueprint for transformative leadership rooted in authenticity, courage, and relentless service.
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