Malebogo Molefhe

Malebogo Molefhe
in 2017 at the award ceremony
Born c. 1980
Nationality Botswana

Malebogo Molefhe (born c. 1980) is a Botswanian basketball player who became an activist against gender based violence after being shot eight times. In 2017 she became an International Women of Courage.

Life

Molefhe was born about 1980. She was chosen to represent her country at basketball.

In 2009 she was shot eight times by her boyfriend who was described as "deranged". She recovered but she uses a wheelchair[1] due to spinal injury.[2]

Malebogo has become an advocate for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic abuse on Botswana radio. She has organised workshops and facilitated training with both state and non-governmental organizations in Botswana. She realises that there are cultural aspects that fail to discourage GBV and she volunteers to raise awareness of the need for change.[2]

Malebogo has taught young girls about self-esteem to enable them to resist gender oppression and other types of domestic abuse. She and the Botswana Ministry of Education has created a program for children to help learn about GBV in the home. Malebogo also encourages para sports and sports for women in general.[2]

On 29 March 2017 she was recognised by the US Department of State when she was amongst those chosen to be given an International Women of Courage Award in Washington, D.C..[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Shot By Her Boyfriend And Now Using A Wheelchair, She Found A 'New Me'". NPR.org. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
  2. 1 2 3 "Biographies of the Finalists for the 2017 International Women of Courage Awards". www.state.gov. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
  3. ↑ "First Lady Melania Trump Poses for a Photo With International Women of Courage Awardee Malebogo Molefhe of Botswana". Flickr. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
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