Welcome to the March/April edition of The Projects Magazine. This is another exciting edition, particularly for women, as we tell some of the most amazing stories about women in leadership and what organisations are doing to promote the participation of women in leadership roles.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day, and it has since become a global celebration of women’s achievements, as well as a call to action for gender equality. March is now widely recognised as Women’s Month in many countries across the world. The theme for this year was; DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, which emphasised the need for inclusive and transformative technology and innovations where women themselves have the opportunity to be in the thick of the things, and be able to create solutions for difficult problems.
During Women’s Month, various events and activities are organised to celebrate the contributions of women to society and to raise awareness about gender inequality. It is also a time to advocate for women’s rights and to push for greater gender equality in all aspects of life. Women’s Month in March serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of celebrating and empowering women in all areas of life.
Many companies are leading this agenda, especially influential companies in the mining sector such as Debswana, Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) and their parent company, De Beers Group. This edition captures the activities that leading companies were doing during Women’s Month, and it is particularly pleasing to see companies advocating for diversity, especially in leadership positions. We also share the poignant message from the Managing Director of Debswana, Mr Andrew Motsomi, who recognises the realities that women face in the world of work, and also shares Debswana’s commitment towards diversity, equity and inclusion.
The participation of women in leadership roles is essential for creating diverse, innovative, and inclusive organisations that perform better and represent the interests of all individuals. Women bring unique experiences, viewpoints, and insights to the table that can enrich decision-making and problem-solving processes. A diverse leadership team that includes women can help organisations consider a broader range of ideas and approaches.
Because women make up more than 50% of the population, it is crucial that their voices and interests are represented in leadership positions. This helps ensure that policies and decisions consider the needs of all individuals and not just those of a particular gender. Seeing women in leadership positions can inspire and encourage other women to pursue leadership roles and break down gender stereotypes. This helps create a more equal and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
On the cover of this edition is the story of Dr Rachael Seleke-Motsu, who became the first Jwaneng Mine Hospital’s first female superintendent when she was appointed to the role in 2022. Her appointment to the role came on the back of a spirited and successful COVID-19 response she led with her team following the outbreak.
It is true that leaders emerge during crisis time. Dr Seleke-Motsu ascertained this cliché because COVID-19 was life-threatening, novel and there was no play book or manual to follow to mount a credible response. Her leadership capability came to play, as Jwaneng Mine had one of the most successful responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, if not the world. Her leadership prowess is inspirational, and thanks to companies such as Debswana that espouses meritocracy, such talents are recognised and rewarded.
As a publication, we recognise the contribution of women in building diverse, inclusive and sustainable organisations. For many years, women have been excluded, but that approach is now coming to an end, as the world recognises the need to move towards inclusivity. We are part of that change. Enjoy your read!
