The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Hon. Ms. Lesego Chombo, has recently hosted an impactful LEAD (Learn, Engage, Act & Develop) Forum, an initiative designed to empower young people and promote gender equality in society. The event, held under the auspices of the Ministry, brought together an enthusiastic group of youths, advocates, and professionals with a singular focus: to empower young voices and elevate their role in societal development.
The forum, themed “My Voice Matters,” was held with the goal of encouraging youth and women to actively participate in shaping their futures and creating lasting positive change in their communities. This event resonated deeply with the core mission of the Ministry—to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for youth and women, ensuring they have both the tools and the platform to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
A Platform for Empowerment
Hon. Ms. Chombo, in her opening address, emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping societal outcomes, noting that their voices are pivotal in addressing pressing issues like gender inequality, youth unemployment, and access to education. “Our youth represent the future of this nation, and it is essential that we cultivate their leadership potential and give them the opportunity to be heard,” she stated.
The forum provided a safe space for young people to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns while exploring strategies for achieving personal, professional, and societal growth. With the “My Voice Matters” theme, the event underscored the value of individual perspectives in shaping collective progress, calling on youths to not only voice their opinions but also to act upon them.
Interactive and Engaging Sessions
The LEAD Forum featured a mix of panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering engagement and dialogue between youth leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals. Key topics included leadership development, mental health awareness, gender-based violence prevention, and economic empowerment.
Participants had the opportunity to interact with expert speakers from various fields, gaining insights into navigating complex challenges and opportunities. The discussions were designed to equip youths with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for themselves and others in various spheres of society.
Focus on Gender Equality
A significant portion of the forum also concentrated on gender equality, a cause close to the heart of Hon. Ms. Chombo and the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs. In line with the theme, the Minister spotlighted the crucial role of women in leadership and their contributions to economic and social development. “It is crucial that we dismantle the barriers that continue to prevent women from realizing their full potential, particularly in leadership roles,” she remarked.
Workshops specifically dedicated to gender equality examined topics such as empowering young women to break through stereotypes, the importance of education in promoting gender balance, and the role of men in supporting gender equality initiatives. The Minister encouraged all attendees to actively challenge societal norms that limit the progress of women and girls, noting that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal one that affects everyone.
Inspiring Youth Leadership
The LEAD Forum also featured a youth-led panel discussion, where young people shared their stories of success, challenges, and personal growth. This panel served as an inspiration for attendees, highlighting how individuals from diverse backgrounds have taken action to create positive change in their communities.
One of the standout moments of the forum was the presentation of youth-led projects aimed at addressing local issues. These initiatives ranged from community-building efforts to awareness campaigns on mental health and environmental sustainability. The Minister commended these projects, encouraging other young people to not just dream, but also to take proactive steps to turn their ideas into reality.
Looking to the Future: Acting and Developing
Hon. Ms. Chombo concluded the forum by reiterating the importance of continuous action. “It’s not enough to just talk about issues, we must act. And it’s not enough to just act, we must develop and grow as individuals, as communities, and as a nation,” she said. The Minister reminded the attendees that their participation in the forum was just the beginning of a long journey toward leadership, equality, and societal transformation.
The LEAD Forum exemplified the Ministry’s commitment to providing young people with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive. As the forum ended, attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with ideas and inspiration to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
The “My Voice Matters” LEAD Forum hosted by Hon. Ms. Lesego Chombo was an empowering and dynamic event that resonated with the needs and aspirations of youth, particularly young women, in today’s world. Through its emphasis on learning, engagement, action, and development, the forum provided a platform for participants to explore their leadership potential and take meaningful steps toward personal and societal growth.
By continuing to support such initiatives, the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs is playing a vital role in creating an environment where young people are encouraged to speak up, be heard, and make lasting change. As the forum concluded, there was a sense of excitement for what the future holds—one where youth leadership and gender equality are at the forefront of national development.
