Africa-Press – Botswana. First Lady Ms Neo Masisi has been hailed for her role as an active advocate and contributor to the protection and advancement of women and children’s rights in Botswana.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Women’s Day hosted by the Chinese Embassy on Friday, wife of Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Ms Tong Xin, said just like the famous Chinese saying, Ms Masisi demonstrated that ‘women can hold half the sky’.
Ms Tong said Ms Masisi played an important role in promoting societal progress and contributed to achievement of a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
“She has made remarkable achievement in launching campaigns against drugs and gender-based violence,” she said, adding that for her to be appointed as one of the only two UNAIDS champions in Africa, specifically for the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and women was extraordinary.
She also hailed her for commitment to supporting women to be economically independent by starting businesses utilising available programmes.
She added that Ms Masisi had set a great example in protecting and advancing women’s rights in Botswana.
She encouraged women to follow suit, and utilise opportunities to realise their dreams so that Botswana together with the whole world would be one step closer to peace, civilization and prosperity.
Ms Tong said China was devoted to building a world where women were free from the scourge of war and fear, and a society with gender equality and inclusive development.
Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi said indeed ‘women hold the nation on their backs,’ and it was therefore important that they be part of the conversations at negotiating tables as well as in seeking solutions for life challenges they faced.
She praised government saying women continued to ascend to the National Assembly, Cabinet, Ntlo Ya Dikgosi and other portfolios initially men’s domain including football and the army.
She challenged women to do more and fully embrace the notion of creating a favourable environment where women could explore their potential and enjoy economic freedom.
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