By: Mpho Shelile

Maseru – To commemorate the celebration of International Day of the Girl, Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) held an inspiring event aimed at empowering young women by amplifying their voices and gave free hygiene packs.

The event, which took place in Maseru, gathered young girls, to reflect on the importance of girls’ health, education, and empowerment. AHF’s initiative promotes comprehensive sexual education (CSE), fosters supportive policies, and encourages young women to take the lead in shaping their future.

Addressing the attendees, Dr. Patrick Kanyema, Medical Director of AHF, shared valuable insights to guide young people in their personal development. Dr. Kanyema emphasized the importance of balancing education, faith, and discipline.

“Listen to your parents, go to school, pray, minimize time spent on social media, and go to church,” he advised, underscoring the importance of building a strong moral foundation alongside academic success.

“I believe that empowering girls and inculcating positive fender equally should start from home,” said Dr, Kanyema. “The inclusion of CSE presents sexuality with a positive approach, emphasizing values such as respect, inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, empathy, responsibility and reciprocity. It reinforces healthy and positive values about bodies, puberty, relationship, sex and family life.”  

The event not only celebrated the achievements of girls but also aimed to inspire them to reach their full potential. Dr. Kanyema further highlighted the need for access to accurate information on health and wellness to empower girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and future.

A key contributor to the event was the Girls Act Maseru Chapter, represented by Mpinane Makukuno. She explained that the organization is dedicated to empowering young women by instilling self-love, building confidence, and combating abuse and discrimination. “We are here to help girls realize their worth and develop the strength to overcome the challenges they face in society,” Makukuno shared.

Girls Act Maseru Chapter’s mission aligns with AHF’s broader goal of creating a safe environment where young women can thrive and achieve their dreams without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Another highlight of the event was a session on sexual education and hygiene led by Kekeletso Makhetha from Skills Share organization. Makhetha engaged the participants in discussions about the importance of understanding their bodies, practicing proper hygiene, and making informed choices. The session also addressed the need for girls to be proactive about their reproductive health and to seek reliable information from trusted sources.

Makhetha emphasized that comprehensive sexual education is not just about preventing disease but also about helping young women understand their value and assert their rights. “Education is empowerment,” He said. “When girls are equipped with knowledge, they can make safer and smarter decisions for themselves and their futures.”

Tebollo Machabe, one of the attendees, expressed her gratitude to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) for organizing the event, emphasizing its positive impact on her life. She shared that the knowledge she gained about personal hygiene and sexual education has been transformative. “The lessons have truly enlightened me,” she remarked.

 “I now feel empowered to make informed and responsible decisions regarding my sexual health.” Machabe highlighted that such education fills critical gaps in understanding and will not only benefit her but also enable her to share accurate information with peers in her community.

The International Day of the Girl is a reminder that much work remains to be done to ensure girls and young women receive the education, healthcare, and opportunities they deserve. AHF’s efforts, in partnership with organizations like the Girls Act Maseru Chapter, are crucial steps towards achieving these goals.

Through events like this, AHF continues to inspire girls to lead with confidence, pursue their ambitions, and challenge harmful societal norms. The organization’s focus on holistic well-being, which includes education, mental health, and personal development, provides a solid foundation for the next generation of women leaders in Lesotho and beyond.

As young girls leave the event inspired and informed, they carry forward the vision of a society where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their dreams are nurtured.