I want to salute all women who are working hard for the wellbeing of our nation. This month, Lesotho celebrates the role that our women are making in building the nation.
We pray for them. We pray for those who died while giving birth. We thank all those who in spite of abuse, rape and extreme poverty and marginalisation refuse to give up hope.
These women continue to nurture the nation including those who perpetrate violence against them. We condemn the systems that continue to oppress and enslave women.
We pray for all the mothers who have lost hope.
When mothers suffer, their children suffer too.
Over the past months we have seen children being raped and killed. These acts hurt us and God weeps bitterly over these crimes.
We know Jesus has a special place for these children for, through the sacred text, he states: “Let the children come to me; do not stop them for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.”
As we mark Women’s Month, we need to honour all women as beloved sisters in Christ.
The recent spate of cases of violence against women in schools in the form of rape should not continue unchallenged.
As God-loving people and friends from all faiths let us all declare peace and be resolute in our desire to create a world full of peace and tranquillity.
The world must be made a safe place for all of us.
During this month, which we dedicate to women, let us hold vigils and petition our police force to act. Let us name and shame all perpetrators of violence against women.
Moeketsi E Mototjane
Maseru
