Gov’t outlines youth unemployment, gender strategy
Pini Bothoko | Monday November 3, 2025 06:01
Presenting before Parliament this week, Chombo said that despite Botswana’s progress over the years, high youth unemployment, gender-based violence (GBV), and systemic barriers to women’s empowerment continue to threaten social stability and economic growth.
“High youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation. It not only limits the participation of young people in productive economic activities but also contributes to social ills, including alcohol and substance abuse, crime, and other forms of anti-social behaviour,” she said.
Chombo warned that the mismatch between the skills produced by academic institutions and the demands of the labour market continue to leave many young graduates struggling to find employment.
She said this, combined with limited access to finance, weak entrepreneurship support systems, and low absorption into government empowerment programmes, have exacerbated the crisis.
“If not addressed decisively, they threaten to reverse the developmental gains we have made over the years,” Chombo cautioned.
The Minister further noted that the shortage of youth-friendly infrastructure, such as youth centres, rehabilitation facilities, and recreational spaces, limits youth development and engagement, leaving many young people idle and vulnerable to destructive behaviours.
Turning to gender issues, Chombo decried what she described as a “troubling shift” in Botswana’s social fabric, marked by rising violence, diminishing compassion, and a loss of respect for human dignity.
“Too many of our people, especially women and children, are living in fear within spaces that should offer them safety. Behind every case of gender-based violence lies not just an individual tragedy but a community in distress,” Chombo said.
She said GBV remains one of the country’s most painful social problems, with devastating consequences for families, the economy, and the nation’s conscience.
The Minister pointed out that women continue to face economic marginalisation due to systemic discrimination, cultural norms that burden them with unpaid care work, and limited access to financial resources and inheritance rights.
These factors, she added, trap women in low-paying, insecure jobs and making them more vulnerable to abuse.
Furthermore, Chombo raised a concern over the continued underrepresentation of women in political leadership, saying entrenched gender biases and recruitment practices within political parties continue to hold women back.
“Women remain victims of political party recruitment biases. Parties tend not to recruit, select, or support women candidates, particularly in male-dominated environments,” she added.
She called for a deliberate dismantling of stereotypes that portray women as less capable leaders, adding that true democracy can only be achieved when women and men have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making.
Meanwhile, Chombo said under NDP 12, the “True North” guiding the youth and gender sectors is to create an inclusive environment where all citizens are active participants and beneficiaries in Botswana’s development.
She revealed that to tackle youth unemployment, the government will develop a National Employment Strategy targeting youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The strategy will focus on facilitating the transition from education to sustainable employment through upskilling, mentorship, and character building.
Furthermore, Chombo also revealed that a Youth Development Act will soon be introduced to establish a Youth Commission and strengthen the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC), ensuring more effective coordination of youth-related programmes.
Additionally, the Minister announced that the Youth Development Fund (YDF) is being reviewed and re-modelled to address challenges that have constrained its impact over the years, such as weak monitoring, analogue systems, and unsustainable projects.
“The re-modelled YDF will introduce a more robust framework emphasising capacity building before funding, business incubation, mentorship, and structured market linkages,” she said.
Chombo said the revamped programme will also enhance collaboration with the private sector and development partners to promote co-financing, technology transfer, and enterprise growth.
She further revealed that the Botswana National Service Programme (BNSP) is being transformed into a coordinated national platform for youth empowerment. The new model will promote civic engagement, patriotism, and transition pathways into employment or entrepreneurship.
In addition, Chombo said a National Youth Volunteer Movement will be launched to encourage active citizenship and community service among young people, while a National Mentorship Programme will link youth with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs for skills transfer, career guidance, and leadership development.
To combat the rising cases of GBV, Chombo said a Gender-Based Violence Bill will soon be tabled to strengthen prevention, protection, and response mechanisms. The legislation will be supported by a multi-sectoral approach, including the establishment of One Stop Service Centres and the expansion of shelters for survivors.
She said the government will also integrate gender equality education from early childhood through to higher learning to address harmful norms and behaviours.
“Our laws must protect, our institutions must respond swiftly, and our communities must refuse to remain silent. Only through shared commitment can we reclaim our humanity and restore the moral strength that has always defined Botswana,” Chombo said.
Additionally, Chombo said the government is scaling up Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) initiatives to improve access to funding, enhance market access, and facilitate women’s transition from informal to formal business operations.
She said the initiatives aim to promote income security and independence for women, positioning them as equal contributors to national growth.
Chombo said youth and gender will be mainstreamed across all government sectors to ensure inclusive development. This will require all ministries and agencies to conduct youth and gender impact assessments, apply responsive budgeting, and promote equal participation in leadership and decision-making.
She added that the revitalisation of the National Gender Commission will enhance coordination and accountability in advancing gender equality.
Chombo concluded with a call for collective responsibility across all levels of society, from government institutions families, traditional leaders, and faith-based organisations, to restore moral values and foster inclusivity.
“We must act with unity, courage, and consistency to overcome these challenges. Only then can we ensure that no citizen is left behind in Botswana’s path toward shared prosperity,” Chombo said.