’Marafaele Mohloboli
THE leader of the Democratic Congress (DC) and former Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili, has urged the party’s Women’s League to come up with initiatives that seek to improve people’s lives.
Officially opening the recent women’s league elective conference at the Methodist High School in Berea, Dr Mosisili said the women should show more commitment towards championing issues affecting women and girls, particularly those from poor communities.
Dr Mosisili urged the women’s league to again read through the objectives of the constitution to assess whether they were doing what was expected of them.
“I would like you to assess whether you are still following the stipulated objectives of the women’s league or you have shifted your energies to unnecessary fights that have weakened this party,” Dr Mosisili said, adding most women in the party were focusing on personal fights for political positions and to enrich themselves.
He said disgruntlement over positions such as proportional representation (PR) seats in parliament had led some women to abandon the party.
“As leadership we have realised that the aim of some women was to enrich themselves at the expense of the party, with the bone of contention on the allocation of PR seats. I think some of you did not even vote in the last election because you were angry.”
Dr Mosisili said the party had agreed to put women candidates at the top of the PR list in the 25 constituencies the party was contesting but this did not sit well with some women.
“You need to shift from the current tide and do things differently because as of now we are sleeping. You are operating in silos, which is not good for the party,” he said.
Dr Mosisili encouraged the women’s league to work together in its programmes to enable strong collaboration with the civil society, particularly on issues that would help to empower women and girls.
“There are a lot of projects you can explore including issues to do with the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. Current global discussions show the importance of ensuring actors support conditions that would enable girls to remain in school such as the provision of sanitary towels. This is our responsibility to make sure ease of accessibility,” Dr Mosisili said.
He further explained the need to tackle gender-based violence through global campaigns such as the 16 days of activism. “You should take a leading role in these campaigns that seek to strengthen the protection of women and girls. Stand up against the violation of women’s rights so that collectively you can defeat negative societal norms and practices that undermine and disempower women,” he said.
Dr Mosisili said to be an effective opposition, women should demand justice for the violence perpetrated on the likes of former police spokesperson, Senior Inspector Lerato Motseki, and the June 2017 killing of former First Lady, Lipolelo Thabane by an unknown gunmen.
NEW WOMEN’S LEAGUE COMMITTEE
Dr ’Matumelo Pontšo Sekatle – President
’Mamotseki Sekete – Deputy President
Likeleli Tampane – Secretary
’Mamotebang Ngatane- Deputy Secretary
’Marefuoe Muso – Treasurer
’Makhotso Lehohla- Chairperson
’Malintle Kheleli – Deputy Chairperson
’Mathembezile Sibeko – Spokesperson
Lobe Moeletsi – Deputy Spokesperson
Other Members
’Manthabeleng Masilo
’Mamofana Ramapepe
’Mamofeli Oliphant
’Mathato Rakuoane
