“Change begins with me. If I have a voice, I must use it to protect vulnerable communities across every jurisdiction I step into.”
Dr Precious Gondwe
In this engaging and insightful interview, Dr. Precious Gondwe., AAArb, Esq, shares the depth of her journey as a justice advocate, corporate lawyer, and women’s rights champion. From leading a multi-jurisdictional legal practice to mentoring over 12,000 young African women through the Pan-African Game Changers, her story reflects resilience, conviction, and an unshakeable commitment to advancing human rights across the continent.
Speaking with Joyce Chiamaka Nwezeh, Dr. Precious opens up about the defining moments that shaped her path, the injustices she witnessed growing up, and the powerful vision she carries for Africa’s future. This conversation shines a light not only on her achievements, but on her steadfast belief that justice and empowerment must be lived, shared, and fought for every day.
Introduction
Joyce Nwezeh:
Good day and thank you for joining this session with me and Dr. Precious. It’s so nice to meet you.
Dr. Precious is one of our finalists for the Justice and Human Rights Activist category, and we are so honored to have her here in this interview. Please introduce yourself for the benefit of our audience.
Dr. Precious
Thank you so much, Joyce, and it’s really a pleasure to have this conversation with you today. Let me begin by saying thank you so much for nominating me as one of the women in Justice and Human Rights awardees for this year’s awards. I am grateful for that honor — to be nominated among many other women across Africa who are doing exceptionally well in pioneering change and pushing towards the betterment of our people’s livelihoods through justice and human rights.
I am Precious Gondwe, now affectionately known as Dr. Precious Gondwe, and I am the founding partner of Precious and Partners Legal, a global multi-jurisdictional practice specializing in corporate law. My background was initially in litigation, and then I transitioned into commercial corporate work.
I am a women’s rights activist, pro-women, and passionate about women’s economic empowerment. Through the establishment of the Pan-African Game Changers seven years ago, I have mentored over 12,000 young African women across the continent to ensure that women are economically empowered so they can take up space in their spheres of influence, particularly in the legal and justice sectors where our voices are often underrepresented.
What Inspired Her Career Path
Joyce Nwezeh:
I really loved that introduction. It helped us to see more into who you are and your passion about women empowerment. Now to my first question:
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sector you are currently in? What was the moment that swayed you toward that direction?
Dr. Precious:
That’s a beautiful question. My journey into justice became an eye-opener when I realized that the only way we can bridge the gap between our people and power is through justice. When we understand our rights and stand for what we believe in for the sake of our people, we can help ensure that laws and policies enacted favor and advocate for the rights of our communities.
Growing up in Botswana, I witnessed grave injustices among women like myself. The legal fraternity was largely male-dominated, so it meant challenging myself and the status quo, not only for me but for women who never had their day in court.
There was a particular case involving a woman who had been systematically denied her immigration rights. We had to work through court processes and immigration departments to resolve her status. I realized that without someone willing to stand with her, her entire livelihood would have been destroyed. Standing with vulnerable women and resolving such life-altering issues fuels me daily.
Her Impact and Contributions
Joyce Nwezeh:
What meaningful contribution or impact have you made in your career, particularly in driving change or uplifting others?
Dr. Precious
As the founding partner of Precious and Partners, we’ve built a multi-jurisdictional firm with presence in Botswana, satellite offices in South Africa and the UK, and expanding into Canada. My work has always centered on rights advocacy, taking justice to people wherever they are.
I focus not only on court representation or negotiations that influence policy shifts, but also on creating employment and platforms for young women in the legal space. I offer mentorship, partner with youth-led projects, and through the Pan-African Game Changers, we have mentored lawyers and non-lawyers alike, all toward making Africa a better world and ensuring young people are economically empowered.
Using the PAWES 2025 Platform for Change
Joyce Nwezeh:
Should you win the Power 2025 Award, how would you use this platform to influence others and drive change?
Dr. Precious M, AAArb
This award would be a beacon of hope for women doing great work on the ground, the unsung heroes whose stories never make the news. Through this award, I will amplify my voice through the Pan-African Game Changers and shine a spotlight on young people, reminding them that it is possible to challenge narratives through justice, community building, collaboration, and action.
Human rights affect us all. We need people willing not only to talk change but to act. I want young people and women to see from my journey that it is possible to become, to do, and to fuel change — because nobody is coming to save us.
Growth Strategy & Sustainability
Joyce Nwezeh:
What’s your growth strategy to ensure sustainability and minimize risk in what you do?
Dr. Precious
I love strategy. One of my mentors always said you need a strategy for everything. My strategy is rooted in diversification, digital innovation, and value-based leadership.
Because of my exposure across multiple jurisdictions and sectors, I understand the importance of ethical governance. I aim to use digital platforms to advocate for a sustainable Africa and instill values that build resilient communities.
Sustainability means diversifying your skills, fitting into different spheres of leadership, and staying impactful. In South Africa, they call it Ubuntu, interacting in ways that help each other grow. So every decision must consider: Is this profitable? Is this beneficial to our people? That’s my strategy.
