The European Union Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Petra Pereyra hosted an inspiring event for a women’s network to mark the International Day of the Girl at the EU Residence. This informal network EU Ambassador has launched in Botswana includes women from diverse backgrounds, including government, academia, private sector, NGOs, international organisations, diplomatic missions, youth activists and influencers, who came together to celebrate the power, potential and resilience of girls worldwide.

Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, one of the first female military pilots in the Botswana Defence Force, was the invited guest speaker and presented her inspiring new book 100 Diamonds, which tells a story of 100 remarkable girls from villages across Botswana. Captain Phatsima noted that there is limitless potential that lies in every girl child, and that International Day of the Girl reminds us of the importance of empowering girls to break through barriers to dream big and realise their full potential. She herself is an inspiring example of a girl from a modest background, who used to walk barefoot to school and dream of flying planes, who eventually became a military pilot, thanks to her education, dedication and support from her family.

From engaging conversations to sharing of experiences, the event was an opportunity to network and to exchange on how empowering girls can transform communities and build a better, more inclusive future for us all. Ambassador Pereyra said that, the European Union is dedicated to ensuring that human rights are upheld for all, and that girls from all walks of life can access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. “So that every individual, the girl child included, can thrive, pursue dreams, and lead their lives equal in dignity and human rights”, Petra Pereyra said. 

European Union, 2024

European Union, 2024

European Union, 2024