First annual Women’s Awards Botswana today
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday March 27, 2022 06:00
According to one of the organisers, Bofelo Zebe, the awards are an initiative meant to create space and opportunities for women to meet together, share experiences, resolve challenges and create everlasting bond among themselves. Zebe explained that their motive was quite clear; not just to elevate the already famous, but rather to recognise, celebrate, appreciate and reward the, 'special' women who made an impact in the country and society. “The opportunities are not just to celebrate, but also learn from and support each other.
WAB celebration will take place each year, where we celebrate 15 Batswana women who have obtained profound success for their impact and contribution in their respective fields. Choosing to celebrate women is a reminder to every one of the accomplishments of women in the passing years and also to our culture and society,” he said. He added that from science, sports, lifestyle to politics, it was a chance to reflect on women who lead the way for change.
This is because women who are incredible are most often called ‘arrogant’ for showing a little confidence so he said they chose to celebrate women because they wanted women all over the country to be appreciated and believed in despite anything. Zebe also explained that there was a constant stereotype that women could not be anything more than just that. He said a woman could strengthen peace and security.
He added that celebrating and awarding women would give other women motivation to achieve their goals and excel. Furthermore, he explained that the public had the power of nominating each individual under all categories. “To be part of nominees you need higher nomination votes. These votes are done through the SMS line. Voting has now been closed. WAB recognises 15 women, in 15 categories ranging from agriculture to health, to activism to sport, to business, media and more. These women will be honoured for the positive impact that they are making in society as well as for the inspiration they bring to women across the country and beyond,” Zebe explained.
Furthermore, he stated that on the night there will be 48 nominees and only 16 will receive awards. From those 16 categories, he said one category has been reserved for men who play a major role in helping women. Those awards are for every Motswana. Zebe said as much as they want women to participate in high numbers they also want men, youth and teenagers to be involved. The awards include Woman of the Year, Influential Woman of the Year, Best Woman Owned Business, Sports Woman of the Year, Best Woman in Style and Fashion, Female Artist of the Year, Best Woman Promoting Entertainment, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Young Woman of the Year, Media Woman of the Year among others.
He thanked companies such as Babereki Ka Lorato Funeral Services for jumping in to support the initiative. He also encouraged more companies to come on board to sponsor or support the event.
He further explained that it will be a night full of visionary, celebrated, intelligent and inspiring people who can positively network or influence all the people in attendance. Moreover, he noted that they were anticipating having around 150 attendees on the night.
People who want to attend the awards ceremony can purchase tickets (P500 individual includes dinner) from Webtickets kiosk, Webtickets Website, selected Spar outlets countrywide or contact them for delivery arrangements. They also have tickets packages for corporates that cost P6,000 for 10 people. All tickets are pre-sold and no ticket will be sold at the venue.
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