By: Lebohang Maluke

MASERU – Rural Women Assembly (RWA), a global gathering of brave and resilient voices, converged to celebrate the strength and spirit of women and girls.

The aim is to advance gender equality, combat climate change, eradicate gender-based violence, preserve the environment, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all.

With her unwavering conviction and fiery eloquence, Vice Chairperson of RWA Mrs Mamoratuoa Ntse’khe embodies the spirit of RWA. Her plea for land rights for women resonates throughout the room, striking a chord with all who bore witness to her solid courage.

Her words echoed a clarion call for gender equality and social justice thus igniting a sense of urgency among the assembly to propel a shared cause forward. Ntse’khe’s voice for gender equality and social justice, rose to the podium to bring forth the issue of land ownership.

Her words reverberated with the lived experiences of countless women in the rural community, who, despite their tireless contributions to society, are often sidelined in the conversation on land access and ownership. “It is time for us to be heard,” she exclaimed, rallying support for the cause that impacts women across the globe.

In a declaration of self-assurance and conviction, the women of the RWA asserted their capabilities and mastery of the land, proclaiming, “We know the right nutrients for the soil. We know how to coax life from the earth, just as our male counterparts do. We are farmers, too.”

Their words, radiating with an undeniable truth, shattered the misconception that farming is solely a man’s domain. Instead, they revealed the hidden expertise and long-standing contributions of rural women, whose intimate knowledge of the land and its bounty had been overlooked for far too long.

The Secretary of RWA Mrs Mamalefetsane Phakoe, a tenacious advocate for rural communities and Basotho heritage, cast a spotlight on the arduous journey of reclaiming the precious seeds of Basotho. Her words, echoing with a mix of pride and solemnity, revealed the deeply-rooted significance of these seeds in the cultural identity of the community. Cultivate the land, cherish the seeds, and protect them for your children and grandchildren.

Mr Motlatsi Ntho from Ministry of Agriculture (Research), shares the exciting prospects of GEN Bank, a revolutionary platform for rural Basotho farmers.

They have been blessed with a groundbreaking opportunity. GEN Bank allows to showcase exceptional produce to the world, connect with buyers, and foster economic growth within community. Together, they can harness this tool and create a brighter future for generations to come.

His visionary approach was tempered by a stark awareness of the challenges facing farmers in Lesotho. Speaking with a somber tone, he highlights the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil health and the scarcity of arable land.

Mrs. Mabataung Liefo from Ministry of Gender encourages women to be more influenced in agriculture to decrease GBV cases. Ministry of gender can only assist RWA women by providing trainings to enrich their knowledge.

The women, in unison, lifted their voices in a powerful appeal to their government, echoing the urgent plea to allow the precious seeds of their ancestors to be marketed and sold.

Women emphasizes that their seeds are a gift from the soil, and they bring life to the earth in return, their words ringing with conviction. Basotho seeds are not just good for the soil, but for the soul as well. Reclaim agricultural heritage and pride as a people.

The women’s gratitude poured forth in waves as they expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for their steadfast support in their journey to reclaim their agricultural roots.

They state that they are blessed to have such generous partners in this endeavor,” they said, their voices filled with emotion. “University of Johannesburg’s funding, lectures, and guidance have helped, and we are grateful beyond measure. Together, we will cultivate a brighter future for healthy generation.