Rainbow Identity Association (RIA) was established in 2008 in response to the unique challenges faced by transgender and intersex communities in Botswana. A significant milestone came in 2010, when RIA achieved formal registration after years of dedicated advocacy and perseverance. Since then, RIA has grown into a trusted voice for transgender and intersex rights — providing a safe and welcoming space where community members and allies can access support, build connections, organise collectively, and advance advocacy efforts.
Rainbow Identity Association
Advancing the rights, dignity and wellbeing of transgender and intersex persons in Botswana.
Botswana's first — and still leading.
Home — About RIA
Our Story
A trusted voice, built over 18 years.
Today, RIA continues to champion equality through advocacy, research, training, community empowerment, and strategic partnerships, working towards a Botswana where transgender and intersex persons are recognised, respected, and able to live with dignity and equal opportunity.
Vision
A socially and legally recognised transgender and intersex community in Botswana.
Mission
To advocate for the inclusion of transgender and intersex persons in national policies and legal frameworks.
Our Values
Seven principles that guide every decision we make.
Botho
We cultivate a work culture characterised by humanity, cooperation, mutual respect, courtesy, compassion, and a policy of sharing and empowerment.
Empathy
We are able to be truly considerate of other people’s views, experiences and choices, and to view the world from perspectives other than our own.
Diversity and Difference
Gender is not binary — it is a continuum with endless possibilities for expression. We value difference in opinion, sexual difference and diversity, race, ethnicity, age and class.
Equity
We believe in equitable consideration of our members, beneficiaries and stakeholders at large, as a non-discriminatory organisation.
Integrity
RIA strives for strong ethical and moral principles, following them at all times — no matter who’s watching.
Good Governance
We commit to the highest standards of transparency and accountability for growth, sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Non-Partisan
RIA is not politically aligned and does not hold any political interests.
Our Journey
From a small group of activists to a national movement.
2008
Formed by a group of concerned activists in Botswana to address the challenges faced by transgender and intersex communities, and to promote their rights, access to services, and overall visibility.
2010
Formal registration achieved in December, after a sustained advocacy effort — one of RIA’s biggest milestones.
Since 2010
Established an office where transgender and intersex persons and allies gather to benefit from services, socialise, organise and act collectively.
Ongoing
Built lasting partnerships that drive social change — including Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Teachers Unions, and Health Care Providers — through a four-part approach: Rights Based, Intersectionality, Client Centred, and Partnership.
Board of Directors
Governance and strategic leadership.
Founded in 2008 by a group of committed activists, RIA works to promote human rights, improve access to essential services, strengthen visibility, and advocate for a society free from stigma, discrimination and exclusion.
Pauline Tro Tlhako
Board Chairperson — Provides strategic leadership and governance oversight. A Certified Professional Life Coach and YALI Regional Leadership Centre alumnus, with a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Botswana. Pauline brings extensive experience in corporate governance, organisational development, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and leadership development. Her expertise enables RIA to strengthen institutional capacity, foster accountability, and build meaningful partnerships that support sustainable impact. She is deeply committed to ethical leadership, inclusive governance and social justice — passionate about developing resilient institutions, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating environments where individuals and organisations can thrive. Her leadership is guided by a firm belief that inclusive institutions and empowered communities are essential to achieving lasting social change.
Maungo Lefhoko
Vice Chairperson — Decades of leadership, governance and public service. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Entrepreneurship and a Diploma in General Agriculture. Maungo began her career in 1999 as a temporary Agriculture Teacher in Gweta before joining Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture, where she served 23 years, including as Superintendent. Since 2022 she has served as Station Manager at the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) in Francistown. Beyond her professional career, she has served more than six years as a Shop Steward and Vice Secretary for the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), strengthening her contribution to RIA’s Board through representation, governance and stakeholder engagement experience.
Refilwe Faith Malemane
Board Secretary — Educator, gender equality advocate and trade union leader with more than two decades of experience in education, leadership and social justice. A high school educator since 2001 specialising in Food and Nutrition, Home Management and Textile Design, Faith has served in leadership roles within the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), including as Gender Secretary and National Executive Committee member. She led BOSETU’s Gender Conference and has strengthened partnerships with RIA, BONELA, BOCONGO and Gender Links Botswana. Her advocacy has taken her to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Ghana, Kenya, Ireland and Canada, and she serves as Patron of the Gaborone Senior Secondary School Debate Team.
Nonofo Kwada
Treasurer — Provides strategic oversight of financial governance, accountability and sustainability. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance at Botho University. Nonofo brings experience in budget management, financial reporting, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnership building. Professionally he has served as Head of Marketing at Mcles Productions and currently works as an Analyst at Learn Forex Trading Botswana Academy. He holds certifications from the University of Michigan in Artificial Intelligence for Investment Technology, Future of Payment Technologies, and Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.
Dr David Sydney Mangwegape
Additional Member — Senior Lecturer and Mental Health Nursing Specialist, holding a PhD in Health Sciences (Nursing Science) from North-West University, South Africa. Dr Mangwegape is a Trainer of Trainers on the intersection of substance use and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), and a UNODC Drug Demand Reduction Global Master Trainer. He authors “The Mental Health Series” in the Midweek Sun, and serves as Treasurer of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Botswana Chapter. His published research explores mental health and the social determinants of health.
Lerato July
Additional Member — Principal Registered Nurse at Bontleng Clinic, serving in Botswana’s public healthcare system since 2016. Lorato began her nursing career in Tsabong before relocating to Gaborone in 2025. She holds specialised training in Safe Male Circumcision, Diabetes Complications Management and Primary Healthcare Diversification, and serves as STI Focal Person and TB Coordinator. A certified Nurse Preceptor, she was appointed to the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) National Gender Committee in January 2026.
Our Team
The people leading RIA's day-to-day work.
Skipper Mogapi
Founder & Executive Director — A visionary leader and passionate human rights advocate who has played a pivotal role in shaping the transgender and intersex movement in Botswana, through community mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, and public education.
Tuduetso Neiso
Finance & Accounting Officer — Oversees financial management and administrative systems, ensuring sound planning, budgeting, financial reporting and grant compliance across RIA’s programmes.
Kagiso Bannye
Intersex Programs Officer — Leads initiatives advancing the rights and visibility of intersex persons, working with healthcare providers, educators and policymakers on programme implementation and advocacy.
RIA in Action
Want to attend or host a sensitisation?
Get in touch and our team will share dates and details for upcoming events.
