The women speaking at the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Mother’s Day Summit May 11-13 haven’t merely risen to new heights—they’re working to help other women and girls do the same. Today we’re getting to know Basuti Gerty Bolo, who will speak as part of our “Stellar Women in the Space Industry” panel, in which she and other remarkable women from the industry will share highlights of their careers and journeys.
Bolo is an endowed chair of educational technologies at Africa University in Zimbabwe, a member of the Advisory Council for Online Learning of Africa University, a UNOOSA Space4women Network mentor, an International Academy of Space Law ambassador to Botswana, an Africa Space Tourism Society ambassador to Botswana, Space for Women ambassador to Botswana, an advisor to SpaceConneX, and much more. Her passions and work include getting more girls and women started and flourishing in STEM careers, providing resources to reduce gender inequality and help girls and women empower themselves and one another, and focusing on sustainability initiatives.
Read on to hear her thoughts on inequality, motivating and empowering the next generation of girls and women in STEM, the power of following your dreams, and more. And register for the “In Moms We Trust” Summit today to learn from her and other inspirational, driven women leading the way for the next generation.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day? What do you hope to share with the world?
I hope to share my experiences to all women and girls, and to motivate them.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
To see all women driving their dreams and passions, and to see them empowered and protected for sustainable development.
Who is your role model, and why?
My male role model is the late Hon. Nelson Mandela—he followed his dreams and passion. I would also like to bring change to the world: to be a voice for women.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
UNOOSA Space4Women Network, which is about mentoring women and girls to become involved in STEM and space in order to have better skills and jobs
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Fewer paying jobs, inequality, and a lack of competitive skills and qualifications.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
Women are less empowered in most of their needs or resources, such as education, jobs, and business.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
Now there are role models, accessible resources, women empowerment opportunities. Inequality will change in the future, helped through outreach programs such as Amplifying her Voice.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
To follow my dreams and passions.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
To follow their dreams and passion, believe that they can do what they want to do, learn to be patient, and persevere to achieve their goals.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
I was not inspired, so it was difficult for me to achieve my dreams. It was trial and error. This made me have the passion to inspire the young generation by mentoring them. I am one of the UNOOSA Space4Women Network mentors, an Africa University STEAM program mentor, and more.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
Self-love, self-management, self-discipline, planning, communication—and persevere. Women must follow their passions and dreams.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
Currently there is an inequality between work-life balance for women, therefore women must be empowered with skills that would allow them to do all at once even at home.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
Perseverance is the key, women and girls must have role models and follow their dreams, and they should never quit no matter how difficult it is.
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We stand in awe and admiration of Basuti Gerty Bolo’s perseverance, dedication, grit, intelligence, and determination to pass it all on to the next generation of girls and young women. Come listen to her and other exceptional women at the forefront of their fields. Register for the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Summit today!
