Malebogo Kruger – Botswana

Gender Links, through its Gender and Local government training that I attended in Johannesburg, has equipped me with skills to advocate for gender equality.

As a politician and a trainer, the training has changed my attitude towards my role in addressing gender based violence. It was a challenge before to address men in the political arena, but through the training and Gender and Local Government Manual, I am a star and a confident facilitator. I did not benefit alone, but as the Chairperson of the BALA Women’s Commission, I mobilized other commissioners to take part in the Media Literacy training, in order to enhance their IT, media and campaigning skills, from which they benefited for the 2009 elections.

This alone has marketed me and I was proud to be invited by Women against Rape during the 16 Days Commemoration to be a specialist on GBV related issues.

Gender Links has literally made me; I am now a confident, competent lady politician of a high integrity through its training and empowerment, “Yes we can”!

On behalf of myself and the all the BALA women’s commissioners I would like to wish Gender Links a happy birthday and to encourage them to continue the fight for gender equality.

Malebogo Kruger is the Deputy Mayor of Lobatse and Chairperson of BALA Women’s Commission