By Thoboloko Ntšonyane

MASERU – The United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed has called for women and girls to take center stage in decision-making processes.

During her recent visit to Lesotho she highlighted the importance of empowering women and girls as key inclusive society urging for consideration of their voices at all levels.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General was one of the keynote speakers during the Independence Day celebrations and 200-year celebrations on October 4.

Before concluding her official visit in the country, she was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the UN Resident Coordinator Amanda Khozi Mukwashi and other UN diplomats and high profiles on a tour of the soon to be launched Multi-Purpose Centre for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Survivors, the initiative spearheaded by the United Nations in Lesotho in partnership with development agencies and the private sector, that is expected to  provide vital support services to those affected by GBV.

The Deputy Secretary-General also had an audience with the youth, where she heard them and saw their potential and the challenges they face. “You are on a journey, and it’s crucial to make every step count. No matter the challenges, work with what you have and never give up.”

She appealed to the leadership of Lesotho to choose dialogue over confrontation, to embrace differences rather than to fear them, to understand and respect all parties, even former adversaries, to include women and young people and every community saying they should be in decision making tables. Mohammed also stressed on respect, protection and championing the rights of every woman and every girl.

She implored Basotho to open their homes and hearts to the displaced, marginalised and vulnerable, and to live in peace and harmony with the land.

“As the world faces an unprecedented climate crisis, we draw on your country’s wisdom of preserving our natural world for future generations. We must foster international cooperation and solidarity, sharing knowledge and resources to support vulnerable communities, building climate resilience, transforming agriculture and food systems and adopting sustainable practices. We should also honour our common responsibility as stewards of our Earth,” she said.

She  said the journey of the kingdom of Lesotho is a shining example of the power of unity.

“On behalf of the United Nations, congratulations on this 200th anniversary. As we celebrate this bicentenary, let us continue to be inspired by King Moshoeshoe’s legacy of fostering dialogue, celebrating diversity and sustaining peace. May the next 200 years and beyond, be filled with peace and harmony,” she said.