- This year has a Lifetime Achievement award
- Categories have grown from 15 to 18
- People can vote as many times as they wish
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
After successfully hosting the first Women’s Awards Botswana in Gaborone last year, organisers of the event are gearing up for the second edition that is slated for 27 May 2023 at Travel Lodge in Gaborone.
Women’s Awards Botswana brings together and celebrates a constellation of women from all walks of life and across sectors.
The awards ceremony raises awareness for women to be granted equal participation, particularly in decision-making positions, as one way of breaking the gender bias.
“As we always say, women play a big role in society and therefore deserve to be appreciated for the amazing work that they do,” Event Director of Women’s Awards Botswana, Bofelo Zebe, told Time Out.
Positive sign
“This year’s awards have received a huge welcome through social media and many people are calling to inquire about the process of taking part. That is indeed a positive sign.”
New additions
He said people can look forward to new additions to the awards this year because categories have been increased from 15 to 18 in order to cater for more fields of work and occupations.
In addition, a Lifetime Award has been introduced for that woman who has played a huge role in any field or society for many years.
“The production and presentation of the awards will be of high quality in the midst of an amazing lineup of artists and guests. We are anticipating higher numbers this year of attendees,” Zebe said.
Nomination period
He added that they are currently reaching out to the public to create awareness of the nomination period. Nominations opened on 16 January 2023 and will run until 1st March 2023.
Zebe noted that the aim is to reach to every corner of Botswana so that everyone can play a role in selecting women who are doing amazing work. The process of nomination is done through sending an SMS to the number 17390.
“What they need to do is send the category code followed by nominee’s name to 17390,” he explained. “People can nominate as many times as they wish and the process can be done through all mobile networks.
Btv partnership
“We would like to appreciate our television broadcasting partner, Botswana Television, who will show the awards on BTV. I take the opportunity to appeal to companies to come forward to sponsor or partner with us.”
Zebe said people are encouraged to purchase tickets well on time. Tickets will be available from Webtickets beginning next week or from this number: 74468494.
“We are Capable”
Last year’s awards were hosted under the theme “We are Capable, we Can.” Mascom’s chief communications manager and sports administrator, Tebogo Lebotse Sebego, scooped the Woman of the Year award.
“I want to appreciate every individual, company and media house who helped us to host a very successful first edition of these awards,” said Zebe. “It was a tough journey but in the end we managed to bring women together and celebrate their hard work.”