By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU
A powerful movement against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) took place over the weekend at the Alliance Française de Maseru.
The event, titled Khanya: A Sunset Candle Vigil, was organised by the Maleah Foundation in partnership with One Billion Rising.
The vigil brought together survivors, activists, and community members to reflect on the impact of GBV and call for justice.
Director of the Maleah Foundation and One Billion Rising Coordinator, Zandile Sakoane, said the event aimed to provide a safe and empowering space for affected individuals to share their experiences and strengthen collective action.
A previous Gender Links study revealed that GBV remains a serious issue in Lesotho, with 86% of Basotho women reporting experiences of abuse. Despite the enactment of the Counter Domestic Violence Act, enforcement challenges persist. However, stakeholders, including the government and civil society, continue to push for stronger interventions and support systems.
The event featured testimonies, discussions, and symbolic candle lighting in solidarity with survivors. One Billion Rising, a global campaign against GBV, has supported similar initiatives worldwide to raise awareness and demand policy changes.
Community members, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups, including Tunasafiri, Ignite a Spark, Plant One Tree, Stymo Foundation, and Alleviate, were among the attendees.
The evening featured stirring performances designed to evoke awareness and action. The Tse Ntle Litjotjela Drama Group presented two moving dramatic pieces, while a vibrant Girls’ Club, made up of young changemakers from three schools, expressed their commitment to ending GBV through poetry, dance, and storytelling.
One of the most poignant moments of the vigil was the testimony of a courageous survivor, whose story of resilience and strength served as a reminder of the urgent need to address GBV and support those affected.
As candles were lit and their glow spread across the gathering, they symbolized hope, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to a future where GBV is no longer tolerated.
Sakoane emphasised that the vigil was more than a single evening of reflection saying it was a movement calling on individuals, families, and organizations to break the silence, challenge societal norms, and work collectively for a safer, more just society in Lesotho.