By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU- In light of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), children have taken centre stage in the fight against GBV and child exploitation.
Led by the Maleah Foundation in collaboration with One Billion Rising Lesotho, the child-led campaign unfolded at Maseru’s Main Circle, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism. Under the theme “Unite for Freedom,” children as young as nine stood with placards, raising their voices against the pressing injustices they face daily.
“The Maleah Foundation and One Billion Rising Lesotho urge all sectors of society to prioritise the participation of children in tackling GBV and exploitation. Addressing issues such as child marriage, period poverty, and sexual violence requires collective effort and commitment to protecting children’s rights,” reads the Maleah Foundation statement.
Lesotho continues to grapple with a disturbing rise in GBV and femicide, with reports of child kidnappings, sexual violence, and forced marriages becoming alarmingly common. Despite years of activism, awareness campaigns, and policy proposals, the scourge of violence against women and children persists.
The event’s highlight was the children themselves- passionate and determined in their demand for change. They identified four critical issues affecting their lives:
Child Marriage: A violation of human rights that deprives young girls of their future. Data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that Lesotho is home to nearly 180,000 child brides, with one in six women having been married during their childhood.
Period Poverty: A barrier preventing girls from attending school and participating fully in society. Many girls reportedly miss school due to lack of access to menstrual products, entrenching cycles of poverty and inequality, especially in rural communities.
Sexual Violence and Exploitation: A pervasive problem that leaves psychological scars, jeopardising the potential of countless young lives.
Forced Labour and Exploitation: Denying children the simple right to play and learn in safety.
The children’s message was that: they want to be children. Their plea reflected the shared sentiments of many who attended the campaign. They spoke about the fear and trauma caused by violence in their communities, highlighting the urgent need for change.
This year’s campaign was bolstered by One Billion Rising Lesotho, a branch of the global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and children. Together, the Maleah Foundation and One Billion Rising amplified the voices of Lesotho’s youth, pushing their message beyond the capital to the entire nation.
A social worker, Katiso Peete from the Maleah Foundation, commended the event:
“Children are the foundation of society. By involving them in advocacy, we are ensuring they grow up with the knowledge and courage to challenge systems that harm them.”
Children are not just passive victims; they can be guided and empowered to become agents of change. Empowering them to speak further ensures investment in a future free from violence.
Similarly, Likhama Mokhoele, a teacher from Maseru East Government Primary School, highlighted the power of children’s voices:
“This campaign has shown our children that they can be part of the solution. It empowers them to realise that their voices matter and that they can drive change regardless of their age.”
The grim reality of GBV in Lesotho
Despite these courageous efforts, the statistics remain grim. According to Afrobarometer, 56% of Basotho believe women are most likely to face victimisation if they report incidents of GBV.
GBV is reportedly one of the most serious societal problems facing the country. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that 86% of women in Lesotho have experienced some form of GBV in their lifetime.
UNFPA has documented that over 40% of reported sexual violence cases involve children. Meanwhile, femicides continue unabated, with recent police reports indicating a spike in intimate partner killings.
The global 16 Days of Activism campaign shines a light on these brutal realities, but the persistence of violence indicates the need for more robust legislative action, community engagement, and educational initiatives.
According to the Lesotho Government’s Beijing +25 Review Report, violence against women and girls remains a critical challenge. The report highlights the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral responses to prevent GBV and child marriage, emphasising that systemic patriarchal norms continue to undermine women’s rights.
The Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act (2006) and the Land Act (2010) are noted for advancing women’s legal rights, yet cultural attitudes still lag behind legal reforms. The report underscores that mainstreaming gender equality into national policies, budgets, and development strategies is essential to achieving inclusive growth and protecting the rights of women and girls, aligning with the country’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and CEDAW.
A Call to Action
As the event concluded, children and organisers alike issued a resounding call to action: that action and commitment are needed from all sectors of society.
The Maleah Foundation and One Billion Rising Lesotho urged policymakers, civil society, and the public to prioritise the participation of children in policy-making, provide greater resources for survivors of GBV, and address the root causes of exploitation, such as poverty and lack of education.
While the campaign demonstrated that children are powerful advocates, it also laid bare the harsh realities they face.
Lesotho’s ongoing struggle against GBV and child exploitation requires a collective, sustained effort from every part of society. The voices of the children who took part in this campaign could spur policymakers and leaders to act, ensuring a future where no child lives in fear.