SEEING MOTHERHOOD FROM A WHOLE DIFFERENT SCOPE
There is a lot that comes to mind when the word ‘mother’ is mentioned. This is an eternal relationship unlike any other form of human relationship. It is a place of love, safety and comfort for everyone. A mother is all that yes, but motherhood is also much more that that, and there are a few mothers who have taken it upon themselves to show just what more there can be to motherhood.
A few years ago, two best friends who also happen to be mothers and know it’s ups and downs of it, Boitumelo Keoagile and Phemelo Minja came up with an idea that they thought would be helpful in addressing motherhood as a whole. The two decided that every mothers day, they will have a breakfast event that will be more than just a mothers celebration. “The event seeks to educate and raise awareness on the importance and benefits of building meaningful relationships at work, families, friendships, social settings, and the world at large through social networking, day to day engagements. We also are promoting and advocating for thought leadership which leads to good decision making or problem solving which benefits the people and working together in teams, working smart and how all these can affect our wellbeing (Mental Health) if not approached in a holistic manner,” explained Boitumelo Keoagile, one of the co-founders. She further said that they mean to help out families having come out of the Covid-19 pandemic not so long ago and having had to go through a lot of mentally related issues. It is also of course another day they get to cherish the joys of being a mother and celebrate themselves.
This year was the third time the mothers day event was held and according to them they are indeed on the right path to growth as the recent even was even more bigger than it has been on the last two ones. The ladies premiered on 2019 with a picnic themed event which was not as big but with its big intentions of course. However post that the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic so they went on pause for the years 2020 and 2021. Out of determination to carry on with their vision, they made a comeback last year although it was not big enough as they were fresh out of Covid. This year though they went all out and did it bigger than they ever have and there can only be more growth going forth.
They say the first steps to greatness are the hardest ones, and that surely has been the case for these ladies. Even though they are clearly showing growth especially with this year’s event, things have not been as easy for them behind the curtains. These are two women who are trying to build something big mostly from their pockets and that has been a real financial difficulty. To make matters worse they have knocked on doors seeking out financial help but have not been met with the most generous hands as their vision is misunderstood by many. Having come out the Covid-19 also has not helped things as many are cutting costs and companies are still recovering as well which means finding sponsorship wouldn’t be easy. It also means the companies mostly also cannot manage to buy corporate tables and tickets for their employees to attend the event. For this recent event in particular they had to face some last minute issues which saw them having to make very last minute changes for the event and that affected them a lot.
However even though they had to face those difficulties they managed to put up a great show which had a bigger attendance and great proceedings. They had quite a unique and impressive group of female delegates who had empowering and insightful speeches to share and that meant the event was living to its purpose. The two ladies vision is clear and understood by fellow mothers and spectators who have given them some positive feedback post their recent event.
They have stated also that they intend to target mothers throughout the country as they seek to preach their message of motherhood beyond just among greater Gaborone mothers. According to Boitumelo, should they have the money for it, they intend to be more inclusive and target mothers with a low income who cannot afford such events which nonetheless have so much to teach on motherhood from a totally different scope that can be more helpful. She continued to also encourage Batswana to learn from other cultures and be as supportive as they are and always help each other to be better.
kabelo is a writer, photographer and reporter who is passionate about creative writing and aspires to see the local creative industry being a global competitor.
