Kgosi Mosadi turns tradition into

As both the custodian of her tribe’s heritage and a vocal advocate on the continental stage, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of Balete carries a conviction that true African culture must protect and never harm. Now, as Botswana joins hands with the African Union to end violence against women, Kgosi Mosadi, is leading from the front, mobilising custom, community and leadership to turn ancient tradition into a shield for her people. This personal mission took centre stage on July 17, when the African Union Technical Assistance Mission paid a courtesy call to her royal court in Ramotswa.

The visit provided a major continental boost to Botswana’s drive to eradicate gender-based violence to accelerate the country’s ratification, domestication and implementation of the landmark AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG). Welcoming the delegation, Kgosi Mosadi spoke not just as a diplomat, but as a leader deeply attuned to the quiet heartbreaks inside her people’s homes. She reflected on a painful truth facing the continent, saying despite Africa’s significant progress in advancing gender equality through progressive laws, policies and continental commitments, violence against women and girls remains one of its most pressing challenges.

For her, gender-based violence is not an abstract policy statistic, but a destructive force that fractures human dignity, weakens families, erodes social cohesion and steals the promise of peace and prosperity from future generations. “As Africans, we are united by a vision of a continent where every individual enjoys equal opportunity, security and dignity. This vision, embodied in the AU’s Agenda 2063, cannot be realised while women and girls continue to experience violence,” she said.

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Critics often point to traditional customs as rigid barriers to women’s rights. But Kgosi Mosadi refuses to let culture be blamed for cruelty. Instead, she draws on the deepest roots of African heritage to fight back, firmly believing that true customs and traditions were always meant to uplift and protect human dignity.

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