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Johannesburg, 26 May: Gender Links (GL) learned with deep shock and sadness of the passing away of its Botswana Office and SADC Liaison Director Chigedze Chinyepi on 26 May 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and to the thousands, especially women, whose lives she touched. Mme Chigedze, as she was fondly known, leaves behind her giant footprints in the womenâs movement in her home country Botswana, the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa more broadly.
âGender Links was always at the top of Mme Chigedze’s agenda,â said GL Chair Emily Brown. âShe worked really hard to find the right people to serve on the GL Botswana Board. I will miss her courage and fortitude.â
Recalling that she had been in conversation with Mme Chigedze just last week, Director of the GL Regional Hub Debrah Mukuku said although Mme Chigedze was recovering from an operation this terrible eventuality had never been anticipated. âAs GL staff we are in total shock,â she said. âMme Chidegze joins our gallery of sheroes. We will designate our newest conference room the Mme Chigedze Seminar Room. Her memory, passion and power will forever be with us.â
âMme Chigedze is synonymous with the struggle for gender equality in SADC,â added GL founder and long-time colleague Colleen Lowe Morna. âMme Chigedze worked 24/7/365 for change. She embraced diversity; championing the rights of all, women, girls, LGBTIQ persons; indigenous women; those living with disability, sex workers. The list is endless. Mme Chigedze was not afraid to speak truth to power, campaign wherever her voice was needed. We have been robbed of a women and human rights defender. May we honour her by continuing the struggle for a better life for all.â
Chigedze Virginia Chinyepi was a gender activist and entrepreneurial consultant with more than three decades of experience, working in Civil Society and Private Sector Organisations in Botswana and in Southern Africa, building capacity for women empowerment, lobbying for policy change and economic empowerment of women.
As a Board Member of the Botswana Council of NGOs, BOCONGO, Mme Chigedze was Chairperson of Gender and Human Rights Thematic Group that represented Botswana in the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance, that campaigned for this sub-regional instrument adopted by Heads of State in 2008. The Protocol brings together all continental and regional commitments to gender equality, and enhances these with a results based reporting framework. When Botswana (together with Mauritius) failed to sign the Protocol arguing that it was too prescriptive, Mme Chigedze led a national campaign for her government to sign. This culminated in Botswana joining other SADC member states in signing the revised SADC Gender Protocol in May, 2017.
Mme Chigedzeâs legendary lobbying skills extended to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, better known as the Maputo Protocol. that Botswana ratified on 1 December 2023.
âWe cannot speak about the Alliance without mentioning Mme Chigedze,â said Emma Kaliya, Executive Director of the Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre, and Chair of the SADC Gender Protocol Alliance. âShe will forever be missed by all of us. May her soul rest in peace.â
From 2021 until her untimely passing, Mme Chigedze led GLâs work in Botswana as part of the International Idea consortium on Enhancing the Inclusion of Women in Political Participation in Africa. She organised womenâs academies across political parties in all the regions of Botswana, preparing over 100 women for political participation at national and local level in the coming October elections. The programme includes mentorship of young women political aspirants.
Together, the women in this programme mounted the Molaomotheo- Buang Bomme! (The Constitution- Women Speak Out) campaign, making the case for a review of Botswanaâs 1967 independence Constitution to address fundamental gender concerns. These include contradictory provisions on customary law; and advocating for an electoral system that is more favourable to womenâs political participation. The submission made by women across political parties also makes the case for diversity and inclusion to be more explicitly spelled out in the Constitution. The Commission set up to investigate the need for a review (the Dibotelo Commission) has submitted its report and recommendations which are the subject of further lobbying and advocacy by the womenâs movement.
Among her many footprints, Mme Chigedze was also the founder and chairperson of African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), Botswana Chapter. A seasoned businesswoman, she chaired the Business Botswana Sector Level Committee for the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, which she represents at the High Level Consultative Committee, chaired by the President of Botswana. She was appointed by the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs to serve as a member of the Botswana National Gender Commission from 2016 to 2019. Mme Chigedze served as a member of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) of the United Nations Development Agency (UNDP) Small Grant Program (SGP) and as a Gender focal person of the Southern African Partnerships for the Prevention of Conflict (SAPPC) which is a network of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC).
Among her several global engagements, Mme Chigedze presented Shadow reports on Botswana on the Convention of All forms of Discrimination Against Women and girls (CEDAW)Â to the United Nations CEDAW Committee in Geneva (2010 and 2019), and participated in regional (Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe) Social Protection Policy Brief development and presented to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63 â March 2019).
Mme Chigedze will be sorely missed by the womenâs movement that she served so tirelessly.
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— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) December 17, 2024
62 thoughts on “GL mourns the passing of Mme Chigedze Chinyepi”
Mme Chigedze, my sister, my comrade, my friend. Words fail me. Gone too soon. We never saw this coming. Up to the last day you were on E Mail, on whats ap. I will never forget how we traversed Botswana together, campaigning for the Fifty fifty, for a new Constitution, for Women’s Rights. How we met ministers, back door, front door, side door, to get the Protocol signed. How we strategised at every turn. You will forever be my icon, my reminder of “never take no for an answer”. Good people never die. They leave behind giant footprints. They live on through others whose lives they have touched. Tsamaya sintle my sister. The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. You are in His Hands. Rest in eternal peace.
Mme Chigedze will be deeply missed
MHSRIP
Sleep well my sister. A gallant fighter for gender equality. MmaChi leaves her footprints imprinted in the hearts of women politicians in Botswana.
Robala mogaka. Ya gago Tema o e remile, go saletse rona đč
My deepest condolences to GL crew, Mma C’s family and friends đđđđ
Gone too soon,Mme Chigedzi, Your memory will live on in our hearts and your kind spirit and hard work will never be forgotten.Your smile and your presence will be dearly missed and as GL we are all heartbroken by your sudden passing. Rest in peace!!!!
This is sad moment. God will heal, it sounds sudden though. May her soul continue to rest in eternal PEACE, Retired Gender Links Country manager,KB, and Vincent
Maam Chigedze my sister words fail me I will always remember you sis and for organising the activities in Botswana and the boys Indaba in Tanzania . Gone toooo soon my dear sister haaaaa am really in shock. Love you always sis you will always be remembered ,tears fail me sis am so hurt haaaaaa life where are you ? My heart bleeds am at loss for words sis ,I do not know what to say sis my dear am so hurt. AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU SIS. FARE YOU THEE WELL
Rest in Internal Peace Mma Chii…you will be dearly missedđđđđđđïžđïžđđđđ
Our dear Mme C, it’s difficult to even process the thought of your passing. It feels like you were snatched from us without notice. The positive spirit you kept through it all gave us hope each day. Thank you for being a foot soldier not just for the Botswana office but for everything to do with Gender Links. Rest well mommy, you fought a good fight of faith. We promise to finish the work you started.
To say that I am shocked is an understatement. I don’t even have words to express how I felt when I heard of Chigedze’s demise. Chigedze was to me not a gender activist nor just an acquaintance. She was a younger sister more than anything else. She addressed me as sister Flo
Mme Chigedze, I just hope somebody will pinch me and I wake up from this horrible dream. Still can’t believe you’re gone. Death has robbed us of very determined gender activist. Gender Links will take time to heal. We will miss you. May your family really find solace, and may your soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Mme Chigedze, with a sore heart I pen this. You’ve left an indelible mark… you will be sorely missed so fly high with the angels until we meet again. RIP strong beautiful woman!
“You walked with Authority,u talked with Authority”
Mmachii, made sure she included us women in enhancing political participation we are so thankful,t hese memories shall forever remain in our hearts.
Firstly, kene ke bona motho yo bosilo tota then i learned that it is only when she wanted things done that she didn’t make friends, sefatlhego se a senyega.
In you we have lost a giant. Rest in peace Mma Chinyepi, Condolences to her family, friends and relatives.
Hon Lady Pule
Councillor Gabane South
76066611
May the soul of Mme Chigedze Chinyepi rest in eternal peaceđ„âšïžđ« We mourn our loss of you and at the same time we celebrate and cherish your invaluable contribution in the SADC region towards the attainment of gender equality and gender justice for all someday!đđđ·
Dear Chigedze, Condolences to your family, you will always be remembered.
Mme C, gone too soon
We have been robbed of a giant foot soldier .
You kept it all positive, and we were all hopeful that you were going to bounce back,
Mme C, you touched so many lives and you will stay in those hearts forever
Those we love do not go away , they walk besides us in our hearts and memories
Rest in eternal peace Mme C
Dear Madam Chigedze,
It has been an honour knowing you. What I will remember most is your determination and your fight for gender issues. You always had the right word and was not afraid of expressing your views. Wherever you are keep this beautiful smile of yours.
Loga from Mauritius
The death of our sister, Chigedze Chinyepi came as a shock to me and other women in Botswana. She will be missed in Botswana by all, especially young women in politics. Her wish was to see a lot of young women in leadership positions. Death robbed us of a powerful woman of value, MHSRIEP. May her family and Gender Links Family be comforted
Shocked and so sad about Madame Chigedze’s sudden demise. From our encounters (too few of them) and our exchanges, it was clear that she always had Gender Links best interest at heart. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and to all our Gender Links sisters who are grieving. Her ‘departure’ reminds me that life is short, that God’s calling can come anytime and that we should be good and do good. Rest in peace Madame Chigedze. Till we meet again…
Though I knew you had not been well for sometime your passing still came as a shock. You have always been a strong willed individual who was not afraid to express herself. I remain grateful for the love and support you gave me when I joined Gender Links in 2013. I knew that whenever you were there you will make things happen for the Botswana office especially during the summit. For the next 5 and half years you were my support system. Despite the disagreements we had at times you were always willing to give a hand.
How can I forget the massive advocacy work you led for the signing of the SADC gender protocol in Botswana. The meetings we had with the First Lady to meetings with parliamentarians and cabinet ministers to all local councils. Your footsteps will remain embedded in all gender work in Botswana đ§đŒ and you will be greatly missed
Mme Chigedze – thank you for being such a strong and fearless fighter for women’s rights. You showed great dedication to the cause and served Gender Links with energy, tenacity and wisdom. I will miss your sharp analysis and your sense of fun. RIP Mme Chigedze.
Mme Chigedze, we mourn you for your resilience, endurance and tenacity. You kept on going even when you had no energy. You were positive and encouraged us that you will be well. Our condolences to the family. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Ezelani ne dhothodzo Chigs! I will forever miss your out of the blue calls, anytime of the day telling me about all the campaigns we could do to advance women’s rights. I learned a lot from working with you, esp all things relating to SADC & Maputo Protocol, you are in my eyes the best women’s rights advocate to ever come out of Botswana! May you now sit in the sun with the ancestors! Rest in Power always & forever! Xoxo đ đ€
May God welcome our sister’s soul and comfort the words of the bereaved family rest in peace our collegue đđđ
What a loss. Your hard work and dedication to improving the lives of women in Botswana, SADC and the rest of the world will always be remembered. Rest in power because you fought a good fight. May your soul rest in eternal peace. May your family find comfort from the Lord to deal with their loss.
A fierce activist. Fiesty woman and gender advocate. Her voice will be dearly missed in the world of advocacy and human rights. She definitely set the tone and has left a high standard. Sincere condolences to her family,friends, Gender links community and the entire SADC Region.
Izela nge dhothodzo nkulu, you were my mentor and guide in the gender movement in Botswana and SADC, i will cherish our moments forever. Rest in peace Chigz. May God comfort the family and all who knew you.
May Mme Chigedze rest peacefully and raise in glory.
May Mme Chigedze rest softly. I had hoped for many more gatherings and good fun at The Cottages. In a world of fake feminisms and a rising patriarchy, the lessons of your life will live on. May your family and many friends be comforted at this sad time.
Aww this is so sad rest in peace Mme you will be missed đą
Mme Chigedze you were a giant ,It has been an honor knowing you at church and Emang basadi,Authority,Leadership was in you. You showed us love. Heaven has gained đ
You taught me to be a good leader,you were my inspiration, Rest well motherđđđđ
MME Chigedze . We will forever remember and miss your energy in our WPP meetings. What a sad loss. Heaven has gained a happy soul. May you rest in Power!
Saddened to read about this loss!!! May she rest in power. May her memory be a blessing!
My thoughts are with her family and friends and the GL family!
MmeChigedze, gone too soon. We remained connected though ee last saw each other many moons ago. Botswana has lost a gender equality stalwart. You fought a good fight. May your beloved rest in eternal peace. Thank you Gender Links for honoring the women in our SADC region who have brought us to where we are, lest we forget. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
âEntrepreneurship is a journey that never ends â-that was one of her mottos. A true business woman who believed not only in uplifting women in politics but in business as well because current politics becomes easier with financial strength. Nshingo wa ka ushinga bana mesho baka bona. Ndzimu aku tungamile. Fare thee well Gentle Giant. Girl Child there lies a Baton to be picked up and an endless race to be continued. Rest well Sis.
27 mai 2024.
Emily Brown,
Présidente, Gender Links
JOHANNESBURG, AFRIQUE DU SUD.
ChĂšre Mme Brown,
OBJET : MESSAGE DE CONDOLĂANCES DU FAWE – DĂCĂS DE MME CHIGEDZE CHINYEPI
C’est avec le cĆur lourd que nous exprimons notre profonde tristesse en apprenant la nouvelle du dĂ©cĂšs de Mme Chigedze Chinyepi, Directrice de liaison du Botswana et de la SADC.
Nous nous joignons Ă©galement au Consortium des femmes dans la participation politique pour pleurer le dĂ©cĂšs dâune lĂ©gende. Mme Chigedze n’Ă©tait pas seulement une leader, mais aussi une transformatrice. Le FAWE a bĂ©nĂ©ficiĂ© de ses contributions progressives pour rendre le consortium plus fort et plus ciblĂ©. Investir dans l’Ă©galitĂ© des sexes Ă©tait au centre de sa passion professionnelle. Elle nous manquera beaucoup.
Au nom de toute la famille du FAWE, veuillez accepter nos sincÚres condoléances à la famille de Gender Links, à la famille, aux amis et aux proches de feu Mme Chigedze. Courage. Que le Seigneur Tout- Puissant vous accorde la paix et la force en cette période trÚs difficile.
En tant que notre précieux partenaire, veuillez nous faire savoir tout ce que nous pouvons faire pour rendre ce processus gérable.
SincĂšrement,
Martha R.L. Muhwezi
Directeur ExĂ©cutif – FAWE Afrique
Cc : Partenaires du consortium WPP
27th May 2024.
Emily Brown,
Chairperson, Gender Links
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.
Dear Ms. Brown,
RE: FAWEâS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE – DEMISE OF MS. CHIGEDZE CHINYEPI
It is with a heavy heart that we express our deep sorrow on receiving the news of the passing on of Ms. Chigedze Chinyepi, Botswana and SADC Liaison Director.
We also join the Women in Political Participation Consortium in mourning a legend. Ms. Chigedze was not only a leader but a transformative one. FAWE benefited from her progressive contributions on making the consortium stronger and more focused. Investing in gender equality was the centre of her professional passion. We will dearly miss her.
On behalf of the entire FAWE family, please accept our deep and sincere condolences to Gender Links family, to the late Chigedze âs family, friends and loved ones. Take heart. May the Almighty Lord grant you peace and strength at this very difficult time.
As our valued partner, please let us know anything we can do to make this process manageable.
Sincerely,
Martha R.L. Muhwezi Executive Director, FAWE Africa
Cc: WPP Consortium partners
In times like these, we must celebrate the life and legacy of the remarkable Mme Chigedze Chinyepi. Her contributions will never be forgotten and will always serve as reminders of how we can passionately contribute to making a difference in our countries, communities and in our families. May Mme Chinyepi Rest in Power and in Peace!!
Mme Mma Chinyepi’s work and legacy will live on. May Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
Mme Chigedze may your soul rest in peace!! We are mourning as the GL family but at the same time, we celebrate a life well lived. Mme C your dedication and positive spirit made a lasting impact on all of us who had the opportunity to work with you. Your legacy will continue in our hearts and through our work.
Dear Mma C
It has been a great pleasure shadowing you as you took on the injustices of this world. My life was never the same after you took me on and mentored me. In you I found a mother and a teacher and I held those and will continue to hold your presence in my life in high regard. Those that did not know you feared your fierce demeanor and strength but those that knew you admired that about you because you got things done. You were the hardest working person I’ve ever met and this inspired me to no end.
Now that you have departed to you next home, I promise to keep fighting the good fight as you taught me. I promised to never let anyone tell me who I should be and I promise to do all that I can to keep the memory of you teaching me that “women don’t fall, we just bend a bit then go back to our positions” alive in my heart â€
Go well warrior.đŻđŻ
You will be dearly missed â€
Warm regards,
Craciano Meredith Maphorisa
Chairperson, AWEP BOTSWANA đ§đŒ CHAPTER
Mme Chigedze will be dearly missed by the WPP team, the larger gender equality community and indeed the Botswana family. She was a force, a gender stalwart and so energetic. Robala ka kgotso Mme!
Rest in peace legend, you have left a big mark and your legacy shall live forever. Robala ka kgotso.
The greatest woman’s voice for equality and empowerment ever been.
May Mme Chigedze Chinyepi’s soul rest in peace.
Organisanation: Skillshare International Botswana
Rest in peace Mmac we will miss you. u r one of the oldlady who was always preaching Women in Empower agenda. I remember when you r do the training on Botswana Women Political Participation one of the outcome was to see more women at council and Parliament.My believe is that your dreams will come true after this elections. U always wanted the best in events management and rapporteur services. Some of us w r good reporter cos u guided us. And finally the trip we had the three of us (Bonang, Chinyepi, Maitio) under the Human Right and Gender thematic group courtesy of Southern Africa Partnership for Prevention of Conflict (SAAPA) I was the driver and u r the co driver very strict does why we made it to OR Tambo without map
We at Lifeline FTMTB Botswana are deeply saddened by the news of Ms. Chigedze’s passing. Ms. Chigedze was a cherished member of our community, and her contributions were invaluable. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Mme Chigedze May your Soul REST IN PEACE, on behalf of the Mozambique team we know we supposed to be sad very sad as we are mourning your departure BUT NO Mme. As we mourn we will celebrate the GOOD DEEDS we will celebrate the LEGACY you have left behind.
You will always be in our hearts.
It is with great shock that I learnt of your passing Chigs as I liked to call you. Ofcourse we met earlier in other gender, women and human rights activism fora, but it was in the 6 years that we served together in the inaugural NGO Council and for the last 3 years we were also in the first National Gender Commission. The endless hours we spent and travelled together traversing the length and breath of Botswana. The hard work – the additional work with the other separate not for profit entities we were involved with alongside these two huge national commitments and responsibilities…. You were such a tower of strength….how can death just snatch you like that? So untimely, when you still had so much to give to this world and this country! Including the family project you were venturing into and so passionate about among the many other business ventures. Just last week I was asking about you as we hadn’t spoken in a while, and then this shocking news! You’ll be extremely missed my dear, but God had other plans for you I guess, so rest in peace dear soul to rise in glory at the appointed time. May God comfort all of us who are going to miss your presence in spaces you influenced, but more so may He comfort your children, family and friends in whom you’ve left an even greater void that might never be filled. My we all take comfort in that we knew you and even as we mourn your loss find it in us to celebrate the privilege and grace of having known you. Rest in peace Chigedze Chigs Chinyepi, daughter of the soil.
Deepest condolences on the passing of our beloved friend and sister Chigedze Virginia Chinyepi, the SADC gender Protocol Alliance focal person for Botswana. May her legacy of gender activism and business skills continue to inspire us. Travel well, dearest sister, on this journey that remains mysterious to us May your eternal soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
From Martha Muller, Sawid
Ooh my God,let the family of Chinyepe be lealed,all the condolences to the BOCONGO and all groups and the whole World at large,may her soul rest in eternal peace,Amen
Johannes Titus
Chairman
KGASONGO ASSOCIATION
TSABONG
Condolences to the Mr Chinyepi and the entire family,whole World and BOCONGO family,may the good Lord,take care of everything,AMen
I am deeply touched by your passing Mma Chinyepi. Molao Matters looks ahead at your footprints with admiration and inspiration. Our deepest condolences to Mr Chinyepi and all your loved ones. Rest in power Mme Mma Chigedze Chinyepi.
I was deeply saddened to hear about your demise . As a dedicated gender activist, you made an indelible impact on the lives of many. Your tireless work and unwavering commitment to justice and equality have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and empower future generations. Rest in eternal peace Mma C
I am deeply saddened by your passing, Mme Chigedze. Your passion, hard work, forthright sure steps and indomitable spirit in the service of gender equality- all these will be missed. All these will be markers of your legacy for posterity.
Uncompromising as you were at work, you were also quick to smile, full of warmth, and loved fiercely – not least your family- and the many families that you created across the globe.
Rest well, big sis, mom, soldier, business woman, gender justice champion.
Rest in Power Mme Chigedze, I am glad to have worked with you in the WPP project. I am heart broken by your passing. May the Lord comfort your family, Gender links family, colleagues and everyone whose lives you touched. You will be missed dearly.
C’est avec tristesse et consternation que nous avons appris le rappel Ă Dieu de notre chĂšre sĆur Mme Chigedze. Au nom du CAUCUS des Femmes Leaders du SĂ©nĂ©gal et de l’IFAN, je prĂ©sente nos sincĂšres condolĂ©ances Ă sa famille, Ă GL et aux partenaires du Programme WPP qui nous donnĂ© l’opportunitĂ© de rencontrer cette belle Ăąme ! Que sa passion et son engagement pour la participation politique des femmes continuent de nous inspirer ! Que son Ăąme repose en paix par la misĂ©ricorde de Dieu et que le Paradis soit sa demeure Ă©ternelle ! Elene Tine
Dear Madam Chinyepi, on behalf of International IDEA family, it is with a heavy heart to learn of your transition. You have been apart of the IDEA WPP consortium and excellent continental voices on women political participation, and larger women movement issues in Africa. Your contribution is invaluable. You will be greatly missed, RIP and may the Almighty have mercy on your soul and give your family, friends, relatives and community the much-needed strength at this difficult moment.
Mum Chigedze, when I first met you in the WPP programme, I saw a fearless defender of women rights. Straight talk with purpose for the better good of women rights. Rest in Power. God rest your soul in peace.
Rest in internal peace Mme Chigedze.
I was deeply saddened to hear about your death. My heart goes to your family, friends, the entire SADC Gender Alliance and the Gender Links team.
I have fond memories of our times together in the Alliance- the laughter, being conspirators in pushing the gender equality agenda in Southern Africa and who can ever forget your great sense of style. As the younger ones in the Alliance we used to call you and your fellow sisters the women of status. Your confidence, strong sense of self and resolute inspired so many of us.
You motivated so many of us to be bold and relentless in making this world a better place for women and girls.
May your dear soul rest in peace. Tsamaya sentle!
Dear all!
It is with great emotion that I have just discovered the death of Mrs. Chigedze Chinyepi, director of the Gender Link office in Botswana and liaison with SADC, on May 26, 2024
We are very touched by the disappearance of such a great women’s leader at the SADEC level and at the African level.
We all sympathize at the level of our IFESIDDI Organization with his family and the entire Gender Link family as well as all the women who met this great personality and affected by this sad event.
Jacqueline MUSUGANI,
Coordinator of IFESIDDI