Resilience: Overcoming Criticism and Standing Up Against Bias as Women

Women across the world face numerous barriers in education, the workplace, and society at large. Yet, history has shown us that strong women consistently rise above these obstacles to achieve greatness. Botswana has produced remarkable women who have defied the odds and left an indelible mark in male-dominated fields. Criticism has the power to shape us, but it’s up to us to decide whether it builds or breaks us. The key is to distinguish between constructive feedback and negativity. Constructive criticism fosters and nurtures growth, while baseless negativity should be discarded permanently from the world of women. Similarly, rejection is not a sign of failure; it is a form of redirection towards one’s goals and vision. Always keep in mind that setbacks bring us closer to the right opportunity, making resilience a crucial trait for any aspiring leader.

Reflection on Bias Against Women

Botswana is home to many trailblazing women who have made history despite societal constraints. Moreover, Botswana has a rich history of women who have defied societal norms to lead and excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Notable phenomenal women include:

• Serara Selelo-Mogwe (1927–2020) – The first black female Chief Nursing Officer in Botswana and the first Motswana woman to earn a doctorate. Her contributions revolutionized nursing education in the country.
• Unity Dow (born 1959) – Botswana’s first female High Court judge, renowned for her advocacy for gender equality and human rights.
• Mosadi Seboko (born 1950) – The first female paramount chief (Kgosikgolo) of the Balete people, challenging patriarchal traditions to pave the way for female leadership.
• Elizabeth Pulane Moremi (1912–1994) – Regent of the BaTawana tribe from 1946 to 1964, she implemented significant reforms and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Moremi Game Reserve.
• Ntebogang Ratshosa (1882–1979) – Regent of the BaNgwaketse tribe from 1924 to 1928, she stood against colonial pressures and fiercely advocated for her people’s rights.

Gender Inequality in Botswana

Despite progress, gender disparity remains significant in several key sectors. In the Security and Defense sector, women have been part of the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) for over 15 years but remain underrepresented. Similarly, as of 2024, women constitute 35% of the Botswana Police Service, yet only 21% hold senior management positions. In addition, political representation in Botswana is still at a detrimental low, with women holding only 11.1% of parliamentary seats as of February 2024, while local government representation remains low, at approximately 15%. In the economic sector, female entrepreneurs dominate personal services but remain underrepresented in high-profit industries such as construction and electronics, indicating gender-based sectoral segregation in entrepreneurship. Furthermore, in the Science and Technology field, as of 2012, women made up only 27% of researchers in Botswana, with a mere 8% representation in engineering fields.

The Young Women Leaders’ Feminist Voice in Breaking Bias

YWLC shuns all forms of bias, particularly that faced by women in different spaces, through advocacy for feminist leadership. Leadership extends beyond technical skills and requires emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness. Resilience means standing firm in the face of adversity. Building a strong support system and learning from setbacks are essential for navigating leadership challenges. Therefore, understanding one’s emotions and those of others enhances decision-making. Strong leaders are empathetic, self-aware, and adaptable, making emotional intelligence a critical skill for leadership. Subsequently, self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. Recognizing one’s strengths and areas for improvement fosters continuous growth and development. YWLC raises awareness that bias is not a verdict; it’s a lesson. Every setback offers a valuable opportunity for reflection and growth. Instead of viewing bias as defeat, we should ask, “What can I learn from this?” and use those lessons to propel ourselves forward. Not only is gender bias still prevalent across various sectors, but how we respond to it determines its impact. Hence, we urge:

• Confidence and self-advocacy are essential tools for challenging unfair treatment.
• As young women, we must cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness to navigate leadership with confidence.
• Women must uplift and support one another to create stronger networks for change. Together, we can support and uplift each other, ensuring that women continue to break barriers and claim their rightful place in leadership. The future is ours to shape!

About The Author

Katlego Rakgama is a dedicated Social Work student at the University of Botswana, pursuing a Diploma in Social Work. With a strong passion for youth development and disability advocacy, she actively contributes to community outreach through organizations like I Am Special Organization. Katlego gained valuable experience during a 12-week attachment at the Serowe District Council, focusing on social service delivery and community engagement. As a proud member of the Young Women’s Leadership Club (YWLC), she advocates for youth empowerment and leadership. She is also working on two impactful writing projects focused on parental care for teenagers and individuals with disabilities, aiming to inspire change and promote inclusive care in families and communities.