By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Nthomeng Majara and Deputy Speaker, Hon Ts’epang Ts’ita Mosena have risen through the ranks to become role models for tertiary women, sharing their journeys of struggle and triumph in the face of the age-old obstacles that have historically hindered women’s political participation.
Dr. Mamello Rakolobe’s from NUL Administrative and Political Studies, highlights the barriers women often encounter when striving for leadership positions. Despite their qualifications, skills, and accomplishments, women’s representation in leadership roles remains lamentably low, often stifled by societal biases and discriminatory practices.
She outlines challenges faced by women, “socio-economic factors pervasive low status of women in the socio-economic realm (poverty, and employment), Political and institutional factors and Cultural and Ideological Factors.” She also listed the opportunities and recommendations in the regulations of political parties and adoption of proportional system.
This gender inequality is not just a moral issue but also a significant hindrance to growth and progress, as diverse perspectives are vital for innovation and success. Dr. Rakolobe’s call for awareness and action is a rallying cry for the dismantling of barriers, fostering an environment where women’s leadership is not only accepted but celebrated and embraced.
The gender divide, an age-old tale steeped in societal norms and expectations, rears its head once again in the world of leadership and politics. Despite the tireless efforts of trailblazers like Dr. Rakolobe, the barriers to women’s representation in leadership roles continue to loom large, particularly in the hallowed halls of Lesotho’s National Assembly.
Despite the benefits of gender parity and diverse perspectives, entrenched biases continue to favor men in leadership positions, often at the expense of equally qualified women. Women have skills but men dominate more leadership position. Despite the obstacles, some women have broken the glass ceiling, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for a more equitable future. Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara, Mrs. Mathabo Mokoko and Deputy Speaker Hon. Ts’epang Ts’ita Mosena stand as shining examples of this progress, shattering the illusion that women are incapable of excelling in high-profile positions of power.
Their rise to prominence not only shatters gender barriers but serves as an inspiration to young women across Lesotho, proving that anything is possible with determination, hard work, and a steadfast belief in oneself.
A champion of change and a voice for the voiceless, Hon. Ts’epang Ts’ita Mosena entered the political arena with a singular purpose: to drive progress and empower young women in Lesotho. With her fierce resolve and unwavering conviction, she challenged the societal norms that sought to silence women’s voices and transform them into mere spectators of political affairs. Encouraged by her own personal experiences, Hon. Mosena recognized the need for change and knew she could make a difference.
The winds of change may have been slow to arrive, but once they did, they swept in powerful women like Mrs. Keketso Rants’o, Mrs. Machabana Letsie, and Mrs. Malichaba Lekhoaba, who proved to be powerful forces in Lesotho’s political landscape.
Hon. Ts’epang Ts’ita Mosena’s words strike a chord of truth, revealing a sobering reality of gender dynamics within Lesotho’s society. Instead of banding together in solidarity, some women have unwittingly become counters in preserving a male-dominated system by choosing to support male leaders over their female counterparts. This phenomenon, sometimes dubbed as “internalized patriarchy,” has left women divided, rather than united, in their quest for gender equality.
Mosena, a pioneer in Lesotho’s political landscape, recounts her journey from the private sector to the upper echelons of politics. Her path highlights the influential role that men can play in uplifting women’s representation, but also sheds light on the fact that a woman’s accomplishments are often only noticed by those in power when they see a benefit in her involvement.
Hon. Nthomeng Majara, a trailblazer in Lesotho’s judiciary, advocates a profound insight that underlines the unique and nature of her entry into politics. Her journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the road we take in life is not of our own choosing, but is a path carved by destiny, leading us toward our true purpose.
Hesitation lingered in the heart of Majara as she stood at a crossroads, contemplating the bold invitation from Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane to become his deputy in the Revolution for Prosperity Party (RFP). Though the opportunity was a testament to her well-deserved reputation as a legal luminary, the weight of history and the challenges facing women in politics loomed large.
Embodying the very spirit of boldness that drives the feminist movement, Majara stands as a shining beacon of hope for women everywhere, challenging the antiquated belief that one’s age should limit their potential in leadership roles. She asserts that it is not only women’s right to participate in politics, but also their duty to pave the way for future generations of female leaders.
The wounds of gender-based violence (GBV) run deep in the fabric of Lesotho’s society, extending its tendrils even into the hallowed halls of parliament. As Majara bore witness to this insidious affliction, observing its pervasive effects on women across the country.
The threads of personal ambition, societal change, and the struggle for gender equality are woven together in a tapestry of resilience, courage, and unwavering belief in the potential of women. Her journey, from her early days in the legal profession to her rise to the highest echelons of Lesotho’s political landscape, is a testament to the power of women’s voices and the critical role they play in shaping the future of their country.