By: Mpho Shelile
MASERU
The EmpowerHer Team, with the support of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), recently hosted a transformative seminar dedicated to uplifting and inspiring women and youth. Held in the spirit of love and appreciation, the event aimed to show attendees that they are valued, supported, and empowered.
This event drew a diverse crowd of passionate individuals committed to fostering change and creating a brighter future for women and youth of Lesotho.
The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Woman Police Constable Matlhokomelo Machaha, the founder of EmpowerHer. She emphasised the importance of investing in women and young people, stating, “When we invest in their potential, we are investing in the future of our nation.”
She outlined EmpowerHer’s mission, which goes beyond empowerment to also focus on helping women heal from depression, motivating them to become the best versions of themselves, and equipping them with essential skills for employment. Among these skills are practical trades like painting, enabling women to earn a living and support their families. With passion and determination, she declared, “I host events like this to attract investors and secure funding to assist women in need.”
These skills include practical trades such as painting, enabling women to provide for their families. She passionately declared, “I host events such as this to attract investors and secure funding to help women in need.”
One of the distinguished speakers, Dr. Mahlape Morai, Deputy Commissioner of the LMPS, shared her personal journey of resilience and overcoming obstacles. She encouraged attendees to embrace their strengths and pursue their dreams, stating, “Empowerment is not just about providing resources, it is about instilling confidence and belief in oneself.”
Dr. Morai highlighted three key power words: image, legacy, and integrity, urging women to rebuild and uphold them. She acknowledged that success and rising from failure is never easy but emphasized the importance of self-reliance and perseverance.
To inspire the audience, she recited an excerpt from Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, her voice carrying both power and grace:
“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.”
Encouraging women to embody these words, she urged them to rise above challenges and reclaim their power.
The youth attendees actively engaged in discussions, voicing their aspirations and concerns. Tebello Mokhosi, a young entrepreneur, expressed her gratitude for the insights and connections gained. “This seminar has opened my eyes to the opportunities and resources available to us. It’s a stepping stone toward achieving our goals,” she shared enthusiastically. She was particularly inspired by Dr. Morai’s journey, realising that perseverance is key to success.
‘Mmasello Mokhosi, a local business owner, emphasised the significance of collaboration among women in driving meaningful change. “We need to work together as women to create sustainable progress. Empowerment is a collective effort,” she stated.
The seminar served as a powerful reminder that through unity, resilience, and empowerment, women and youth can overcome challenges and build a brighter future.