On July 2nd 2024, in partnership with the French Embassy in Botswana, we launched Sechaba! Are You Listening? A ten episode podcast that focuses on women and their issues, hosted by Morongwa Mosetlhi and Takudzwa Muhita. Our guests, incredible women from all walks of life, helped us break down some of the problems directly faced by women in media and sports, at work, in political spaces and at home.
An audience of esteemed guests joined us for this auspicious occasion, including, Excellencies Mr Olivier Brochenin, the French Ambassador to Botswana and Ms Taninga Sope-Soumah, the South African High Commissioner to Botswana, Honorable Kgosi Somolokae of Gaborone West, and Honorable Mankie Sekete, Bophirima Ward Councilor.
Masters of Ceremony, Ms Charlotte Siorat, and Mr Takudzwa Muhita kept the crowd engaged on the program throughout the launch. Speakers included Honorable Kgosi Somolokae of Gaborone West, who welcomed guests; Executive Director Ms Jelena Mitrovic, who spoke about Mebala Youth Studios’ work and ethos; and His Excellency Mr Olivier Brochenin, who spoke on French diplomacy and supporting women.
“There’s no country in the world where women are at the place they should be. There’s no country in the world. There’s no society in the world where there’s fairness. We all need to learn from one another; the world is not an easy place. If we bring all men and women together, we would get to a better place. Looking at the Podcast, you crafted a product by women for women. Us the men are concerned. We are as concerned as you. This product addresses every one of us here; mostly women voices, but us men, we have to speak, listen, question and find ways to be better if possible.”
Performing artists Ms Nicole Martinez and Mr Kabo Leburu serenaded the audience with lively music in between the speeches. Guests mingled with one another well into the evening once the event was over, making for a truly successful launch.
Catch new episodes every Wednesday at 10am! Listen to Sechaba! Are You Listening? episode’s one and two through the links below: