MASERU — Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili is today expected to officially launch the start of the 16 days of activism against gender violence.
The Ministry of Gender and other civil society groups have since Tuesday been holding meetings to enlighten the public on the issues of gender violence.
The meetings were a build-up to the “International 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence” campaign that kicks off worldwide tomorrow.
‘Matau Futho-Letsatsi, a director in the department of gender, told the media this week that gender-based violence (GBV) remains widespread in Lesotho despite numerous attempts to curb the practice.
She said GBV was associated with many other factors and issues including rape, domestic violence, HIV and Aids, inheritance, bohali (lobola), family responsibility and maintenance.
Added to this is the recent trend and rapid growth of human trafficking.
She said insufficient communication was slowing progress in the fight against GBV.
“Insufficient information exchange and coordination among stakeholders, monitoring of on-going programmes, and enforcement of legislative gains are among the several barriers hindering progress on implementation,” Futho-Letsatsi said.
The international theme for this year’s campaign is “From peace in the home to peace in the world: leTš challenge militarism and end violence against women.”
She said Lesotho had chosen to mark the campaign under a local theme, “From peace in the home to peace in the world: leTš embrace women and stop gender based violence.”
The main discussions during the conference include legislative reforms, culture and politics, education, training as well as raising awareness on gender issues.
The purpose of the conference is to engage civil societies and the nation as a whole to eradicate gender-based violence and to give support to survivors of gender-based violence.
