Meet the 4th-Year LL.B. Student Revolutionizing Youth Empowerment with the Groundbreaking PutYouthOn Initiative

Today, on International Women’s Day, we are excited to shine a spotlight on a remarkable young leader and changemaker, Mandipa Amantle Hlabano, whose dedication to justice, youth empowerment, and women’s rights is truly inspiring.

Mandipa is currently a 4th-year LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) student at the University of Botswana, where she is excelling academically and making a profound impact on her community and beyond. As a 2025 SUSI (Study of the U.S. Institutes) Alumni, Mandipa has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocating for civic engagement, youth inclusion, and equal opportunities. Her passion for creating lasting change is evident in every aspect of her work.

In 2017, Mandipa founded PutYouthOn, a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering young people in Botswana. Through this platform, she connects them to life-changing opportunities and promotes leadership development and active participation in civic life. By providing youth with the tools and resources to thrive, Mandipa is empowering the next generation of leaders to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Her influence extends beyond national borders. Mandipa is a representative for Botswana in the African Union Student Platform Parliament, where she advocates for youth inclusion in policymaking and sustainable development. In addition, she is the President of the University of Botswana Finance Society, a position through which she champions financial literacy as a critical driver of economic progress. Her work ensures that young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a complex global economy.

Mandipa’s advocacy also focuses on gender equality and women’s rights. Through her leadership of Voices for Change, she tackles pressing issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) and women’s economic empowerment. She uses digital platforms to amplify critical conversations on social justice, with campaigns like “Men as Allies” contributing to conversations about gender equality and challenging societal norms.

Mandipa has also played a key role in policy discussions on both national and regional platforms. Notably, she was invited to the B+30 National Report Briefing in preparation for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), where she contributed to discussions about the challenges and progress related to gender equality in Southern Africa.

Key Achievements

• Leadership of PutYouthOn: Expanded the initiative, establishing it as a recognised youth organisation with a solid operational framework.
• Digital Advocacy for GBV: Led gender-based violence awareness campaigns across social media, engaging young people in discussions on gender equality.
• Leadership Development Programs: Created training programs that equip youth with civic innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
• Balancing Law Studies and Advocacy: Successfully balanced rigorous academic studies with her activism, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
• US Institutions Exchange Program Awardee (2025): Chosen as one of five students in Botswana to participate in this prestigious program.

Mandipa’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength and potential of young women leading change. Her work is reshaping conversations on youth advocacy, digital activism, and gender equality, making her a powerful force in Botswana’s legal and social impact space.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor Mandipa Amantle Hlabano for her extraordinary contributions to law, social impact, and youth empowerment. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and leadership, young people, especially young women, have the ability to shape the future for the better.

Here’s to the women, like Mandipa, who are breaking barriers, empowering others, and building a more inclusive world for all.