As Women’s Month approaches, we celebrate four extraordinary female journalists in Botswana who have overcome significant challenges to impact their communities through journalism. Keikantse Lesemela, Keneilwe Lephoi, Boipelo Sebedi, and Bokani King exemplify resilience, dedication, and a commitment to amplifying unheard voices and fostering empowerment. Their work not only breaks barriers in a male-dominated field but also reshapes journalism, inspiring future generations of women to pursue impactful careers.
Female journalists in Botswana confront persistent online violence, hostile newsroom environments, and unfair scrutiny of personal aspects over professional achievements. Despite these challenges rooted in cultural and religious biases, they persevere as activists and trailblazers, reshaping journalism with resilience and determination, affirming it as an indispensable career.
Keikantse Lesemela, a seasoned journalist at Midweek Sun with 13 years of experience, has transformed her passion for writing and communication into a distinguished career. Despite facing challenges such as lack of parental support and bullying, she remains committed to making a positive impact through storytelling. Keikantse’s driving force is her aspiration to establish her own media company and leave a legacy of transformed perspectives.
Meet Keneilwe Lephoi, a familiar face on Botswana’s screens. As a news anchor for Tswana news and senior reporter at YTV, she covers everything from agriculture to ethical and religious journalism, earning multiple awards for her craft. Known for her resilience and anchored in faith, Keneilwe starts her day at 7 am, eager to explore new ideas and embrace diversity with an open mind. Her dedication and diverse expertise have made her a household name, shining brightly in the field of journalism.
Boipelo Sebedi embodies the essence of versatility and leadership. Beyond her roles as a dedicated mother, daughter, wife, and devout religious figure, she stands out as a formidable businesswoman and media trailblazer. Hosting her own acclaimed Sunday morning radio show, Boipelo utilizes her platform to foster community empowerment and resilience among women. Her unwavering commitment to sharing comprehensive knowledge underscores her mission to honour her family’s legacy while shaping a brighter future through insightful broadcasting.
Introducing Bokani King, a dynamic freelance journalist whose passion for storytelling transcends conventional boundaries. With a background in Journalism and Psychology from UNISA, Bokani deftly navigates topics often overlooked, focusing on issues impacting marginalized communities, particularly children’s mental health and disabilities. Through her work, she strives to amplify voices that are often unheard, championing empathy and understanding in her community. Bokani’s commitment to elevating these narratives underscores her belief in the transformative power of journalism.
These women exemplify determination, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting their communities through journalism.
