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He said the women had reached their goals through inspirations from their mothers, grandmothers and they are now role models to girls and other women. One of the winners was Patricia Bakwinya, founder and coordinator of the Tshireletso AIDS awareness campaigns and ‘The Shining Stars of Monarch’ day care centre in Francistown. The centre offers counselling, educational and recreational opportunities to children in the local community. Another winner, Kesego Basha-Mupeli is the director and founder of the Centre for Youth of Hope (CEYOHO) and the organiser of Miss Stigma Free pageant. Basha-Mupeli told Mmegi that winning the award would inspire her to greater heights. She is living with HIV and she has motivated many people to test for HIV and to know their status. She said she derived inspiration from people living with HIV like Helen Ditsebe-Mhone and David Ngele.
Gabz FM morning show presenter Shombie Ellis said that she felt humbled and blessed for being a winner. She is also a youth advocate, public speaker, poet and activist on HIV/AIDS issues. Ellis said the award encouraged a culture of recognition. She said at times, people do not feel like putting much effort. She said she hopes to take entertainment to an international level.
The director of Ditshwanelo - the Botswana Centre for Human Rights, Alice Mogwe said the award was gratifying. She was thankful for the recognition of the small effort made in the development of the country and human rights culture. Mogwe is a gender activist as well as a pioneer of Botswana’s human rights movement.
Other winners were Dorcus Makgato-Malesu, director of corporate affairs for Barloworld and non-executive chairperson of Botswana National Sports Council; Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, the chief executive officer of Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority (BEDIA); Sebaetseng Glenda Mokokwe, a teacher at Westwood School and first woman referee in Botswana; Botswana representative of American and African Business Women’s Alliance Chigedze Virginia Chinyepe, ACHAP executive director Tsetsele Fantan, businesswoman Dorcus Kgosietsile, director of women’s affairs department Marty Legwaila, Justice Athaliah Molokomme, Prof. Sisai Mpuchane and cabinet minister Prof. Sheila Tlou.
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