In the heart of Thaba Tseka, nestled beneath the expansive African sky, lies Ha Soai village. On a crisp morning of March 20, 2024, a team comprising UNICEF and World Vision embarked on a poignant journey, eager to witness firsthand the transformative impact of their collaborative project. Their destination held promise: Ha Soai, where the spirit of community thrives despite challenges.Tales of change and progress unfolded as the team gathered with Chief Soai and 27 villagers. Through the The Ntlafatsa Bana Programme efforts, essential social services reached their doorstep, sparking empowerment and fostering a sense of belonging. Among the remarkable outcomes was the establishment of two nutrition clubs within the village, symbolizing newfound resilience.For ‘Mamolotsi Soai, a dedicated mother and active Ha Soai Nutrition Club member, the project has been a lifeline amid hardship. Balancing her husband's and three children's needs against the backdrop of drought and scarce resources is a daily struggle. Yet, within the solidarity of her community lies solace and strength.Through the nutrition club, Mmamolotsi has gained invaluable knowledge of homestead gardening, water conservation, and child protection. These skills sustain her family with diverse vegetables and cultivate resilience in adversity. As she tends to her modest garden, Mmamolotsi reflects on the profound impact of the project on her life and those around her.The nutrition club, offering services from immunization to cooking demonstrations, has become a lifeline for Ha Soai, illuminating a path towards a brighter future. In the face of the El Nino crisis of 2023-2024 and dwindling water sources, their resilience shines as a testament to Lesotho's communities' determination and strength.The Ntlafatsa Bana Programme, a UNICEF and EU co-funded initiative, seeks to enhance the well-being and development of children under five in beneficiary homes of the Child Grant Programme. Building on previous phases, this iteration aims to bridge the Child Grants Program with essential services, nurturing a brighter tomorrow for future generations.

From the 15th to the 17th of April 2024, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, marked her first visit to Lesotho since the start of her appointment in 2019. This visit coincided with her attendance at the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child held in Maseru. Dr. M’jid's schedule was packed with not only her participation in the conference but also several important bilateral meetings aimed at addressing critical issues facing children in Lesotho.A Series of High-Profile MeetingsDr. M’jid’s engagements in Lesotho brought her face-to-face with a number of the nation’s most influential figures. Among them were Her Majesty, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, Dr. Ntoi Rapapa the Minister of Education, and Mpotjoane Lejone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The United Nations Country Team in Lesotho, representatives from civil society organizations, and Dr. Mahlape Morai, the Acting  Commissioner of Police, also held discussions with Dr. M’jid.The objective of these meetings was multifold: to raise awareness about the plight of children in Lesotho, to assess the progress and challenges in safeguarding children's rights, and to catalyze action across all sectors of society.Dr. M’jid commended Lesotho for its investments in education, acknowledging the steps the country has taken towards improving the lives of its youngest citizens. However, she also pointed out that despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Issues such as child labor, child marriage, and violence against children persist. The discussions revealed a pressing need for the acceleration of laws and policies aimed at protecting children. Dr. M’jid emphasized, “In my engagements with the various stakeholders who work on children’s issues in Lesotho, I can say that there is progress, however, there are still many challenges. We need to work to ensure sustainable access for all children.”Recognizing the complexities of the issues at hand, Dr. M’jid advocated for practical, sustainable solutions. She highlighted the essential role of establishing a human rights commission aligned with the Paris Principles to guarantee the rights' enjoyment for everyone, particularly children. She pointed out the imperative of incorporating children in decision-making, financial, and development strategies that prioritize the safeguarding of children's rights as a foundation for their genuine rights enjoyment and protection. According to Dr. M’jid, children are not just beneficiaries but are part of the solution to the challenges they face such as violence and the negative influence of gang culture.Moving Forward: A Unified ApproachThe visit by Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid to Lesotho represents a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing efforts to protect and promote the rights of children. It highlights the international community's commitment to supporting Lesotho in its endeavors but also underlines the intrinsic challenges that remain.The government of Lesotho and stakeholders are now faced with the task of translating the discussions and recommendations from these meetings into tangible actions. This entails not only speeding up the implementation of protective laws and policies but also fostering an environment where children's voices are heard and considered in the formulation of those policies.Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid's visit to Lesotho serves as a catalyst for change, offering a unique opportunity to reinvigorate efforts to protect the country's most vulnerable population. By commending the progress already made and highlighting the areas that need further attention, Dr. M’jid has advocated for collective action. The ultimate goal is clear: to ensure that every child in Lesotho can grow up in a safe, supportive environment that nurtures their development and upholds their rights. As Lesotho moves forward, the hope is that this visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country's commitment to its children, one characterized by renewed vision and collaborative effort towards lasting change. 

 A modern tale of transformation is being written in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, where King Moshoeshoe I once wove a vision of inclusiveness and unity. In October 2023, s, a visionary Prime Minister’s vanguard initiative took flight, aimed at empowering the youth of Lesotho. This initiative is SEBABATSO, which translates to 'We Grow Together', a name resonating with the core principle of inclusivity it strives to uphold. SEBABATSO, inaugurated by The Right Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane on the 25th of October 2023, confronted an enormous adversary: the high rates of unemployment among the nation's youth, exacerbated by a challenging economic landscape. The initiative’s mission was bold and clear: to foster the growth of youth-led businesses, preparing them for investment on both national and international stages. It casts its net across vital sectors—agriculture, arts, science, technology, and tourism—employing entrepreneurship as the lever for economic transformation. Acknowledging this untapped potential in STEAM fields, where only 2% of Lesotho’s tertiary graduates currently venture, the initiative is boldly confronting the underrepresentation of women in these fields, striving to create an inclusive and equitable environment for innovation. The Prime Minister’s Initiative for Youth Empowerment is a visionary approach designed to overcome the economic challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, it incorporates a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy, involving collaboration with key Ministries, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and potential investors. On the launch day, over 600 hopeful young Basotho entrepreneurs convened, eager to shape their destinies. Among them was a resilient  mother of three from Qacha's Nek, embodying the resolve that SEBABATSO sought to champion. This initiative, through its partnership with the United Nations in Lesotho, not only laid down a foundation for youth entrepreneurship but also held a mirror to the principle of leaving no one behind—asserting that dignity is fundamental and benefits of development should first reach those furthest behind. The three-day event at ’Manthabiseng Convention Centre was not just a conference; it was a catalyst for change, sparking a movement that aimed to elevate Lesotho’s youth to new heights. Teboho Semoli, a young entrepreneur and founder of a small dairy company, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for SEBABATSO: “Youth unemployment in Lesotho is extremely high. The government cannot employ all of us. This initiative is our lifeline, empowering us to start businesses, create jobs, and lift our communities out of poverty.” The Prime Minister’s call for action did not fall on deaf ears. Investors, local and international, from both public and private sectors, convened to discuss and pledge their support for Basotho youth-owned businesses. Mathabo Makoko, the Lesotho Revenue Services Commissioner, highlighted the significance of such partnerships: “We have incubated youth businesses and watched them flourish, creating jobs and contributing to our nation’s prosperity.” The SEBABATSO Initiative was not merely a response but a call to action to the youth of Lesotho, urging them to rise, innovate, and drive the nation's future. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, the UN Resident Coordinator, rightly put it, “Empowering our youth through entrepreneurship weaves a golden thread through every facet of our economy, creating jobs, boosting our GDP, and inspiring others to follow suit.” As discussions during the SEBABATSO conference sessions unfolded, it was apparent that revamping Lesotho’s education system is integral. By integrating critical life skills, emphasizing STEAM, and making subjects like agriculture, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence mandatory, the nation could equip its youth for the challenges of the 21st century. The conference explored challenges and opportunities in STEAM, fostering a dialogue that spanned across the African continent. It brought attention to the necessity of protecting Basotho innovations and called for a transformative approach to education, ensuring that the future generations of Lesotho are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. SEBABATSO represents a significant step forward for Lesotho, as it works to unlock the potential of its youth and pave the way for a sustainable, prosperous future. Through this initiative, the Government of Lesotho is not just addressing the immediate issue of unemployment; it is investing in the nation's most valuable asset – its young people. As SEBABATSO gains momentum, it promises to be a beacon of hope, innovation, and economic transformation for Lesotho.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pernicious issue in Southern Africa where prevalence is particularly high compared to the rest of the world - between half and two-thirds of all women state that they have experienced violence at some point in their lives compared to one third internationally. GBV is a complex and multifaceted issue that has a variety of root causes, including patriarchal social norms and cultural beliefs that reinforce traditional gender roles and place men in positions of power and often perpetuate the idea that men have a right to control women and their bodies, economic inequality, poverty, unemployment, lack of access to education and resources, lack of legal protections and enforcement contributing to the impunity of GBV perpetrators, gender-based discrimination, but also substance abuse and mental health issues. These factors often interact with one another in complex ways, are highly intertwined and can vary depending on the context and culture.  Addressing GBV requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all these underlying factors concomitantly, promotes gender equality, changes harmful social norms, protects women’s rights, strengthens women’s economic empowerment and ensures access to adequate services and resources for survivors. In the heart of Southern Africa, an alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), especially against women and girls, has sounded a clarion call. GBV is tearing apart the lives of women and girls, hindering development, and stifling progress. In the mountainous landscapes of Lesotho, over 86% of Basotho women and girls have experienced GBV at one point or another in their lives.   Lesotho, under the leadership of its UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, decided it was time to take bold steps. The RCO Lesotho knew that this vision could not be achieved in isolation. It required a collective effort, a united front to combat GBV comprehensively. They reached out to UN Resident Coordinators in Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia, igniting a spark of collaboration for a transformative change. Recognizing this urgency, the United Nations, in collaboration with the Spotlight Initiative, has initiated a ground-breaking five-year program to combat GBV across six Southern African countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia. The RCO Lesotho has played the role of a catalyst, bridging gaps, facilitating dialogue, and ensuring that the collective efforts remained on course. They meticulously coordinated the development of a Sub-Regional Joint Programme on GBV, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling GBV from all angles—prevention, response, and support. A High-level Partnership round-table was held with the participation of representatives from the six countries. The attendees included high-level officials from government, development partners, AU, SADC, private sector, civil society, and the UN. The Honorable Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma – Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities graced the event and the Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of the Kingdom of Lesotho joining online. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, the UN Resident Coordinator for Lesotho, provided insights into the Lesotho-specific challenges and expectations. She touchingly remarked on the importance of peace as a precursor to a GBV-free society. For many women, peace remains an elusive concept, restricted not just to public spaces but their private sanctuaries. Additionally, Her Majesty the Queen of Lesotho, who virtually participated in the roundtable, lent her influential voice and support to the initiative, indicating the nation's commitment at the highest level. As part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, which unfortunately records some of Africa's highest rape cases, the challenge for Lesotho is twofold. Firstly, to address the immediate issue of GBV within its boundaries and secondly, to participate in a sub-regional approach ensuring that as a collective, the Southern African nations rise above this challenge. Collective Action and Collaboration The discussions, punctuated by contributions from various national representatives, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach. As noted by UN Botswana Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, ending GBV requires a collective effort, bringing together governments, NGOs, academia, private sector, and, importantly, survivors. Minister in the Presidency for South Africa responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's message was clear - to end GBV, we need to empower women economically and educationally, reducing their dependency on men. The message was unmistakable; all the partners unanimously concurred that addressing gender-based violence (GBV) is imperative. What remains is the provision of the necessary resources, both in terms of technical expertise and financial support. Way Forward for Lesotho In line with the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5 focusing on gender equality, Lesotho needs to strategize and implement policies that address the root causes of GBV. The nation has to invest in awareness campaigns, legislative changes, and most importantly, foster an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward. Substance abuse, often interlinked with GBV, requires attention, as pointed out by Dr. Dlamini Zuma in her closing remarks. Establishing rapid response teams at local levels, equipped to deal with reported GBV cases promptly, can be a game-changer for Lesotho. Furthermore, by amplifying the voices of women in the fight against GBV, Lesotho can create a robust and resilient narrative of strength, hope, and change. As Lesotho stands at the precipice of change, initiatives like these serve as a beacon of hope for the countless women and girls affected by GBV. Through collective regional efforts, backed by global partners, Lesotho has the opportunity to transform itself into a nation where every individual, regardless of gender, can live with dignity, free from fear. The journey might be arduous, but the resolve, as was showcased at the roundtable meeting, is unwavering.  The hope is that in the not-too-distant future, every woman and girl in Lesotho and its neighboring countries can truly know what peace feels like. There can be no achievement of development without peace. Peace is not just a goal; it is a prerequisite for achieving development goals, and violence remains an obstacle to these objectives.