Francoise Rubega is pursuing a Master’s degree in Medicine/Nursing at the University of Pretoria. Francoise grew up in a small town called Lobatse in Botswana. She learnt the value of hard work, discipline and education though her upbringing. She began developing a strong sense of independence when she left home to attend university. At university she witnessed a number of young girls experiencing unwanted pregnancies and saw first-hand the health and emotional challenges they experienced. This strengthened her resolve to work in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN). She “fell in love” with Obstetrics and Gynaecology in her third year as a medical student. She felt excited every morning as she woke to begin her daily training and was unequivocal that she wanted to commit her life to caring for women and their unborn children as well as women with gynaecological problems. On the completion of her specialisation in South Africa she will return to Botswana and the Ministry of Health where she will join the very small number of OBGYNs in the country (currently 6). Her work will be located in the public hospitals and district clinics in Botswana.

“On completion of my training, I plan to return to Botswana to serve my nation. There is indeed a great need for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. I believe every woman who needs specialist care deserves to have it, regardless of their colour, economic status, or geographical area.”