World Vision Lesotho Empowers Girls on International Day of the Girl Child

By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications and Digital Officer, Lesotho

In Lesotho, children, particularly girls, face significant challenges that affect their well-being and development. According to the 2020 Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS), 15% of girls in Lesotho have experienced sexual violence before turning 18, and 33% have faced physical violence by that age. Disturbingly, 18% of these girls reported that their first sexual experience was coerced or forced, while 58% of those who suffered sexual violence had their first incident perpetrated by an intimate partner. Shockingly, only 9% of these girls received any form of support services. Together for Girls

These struggles are especially evident in the Mohale’s Hoek district, where girls often miss out on educational opportunities due to poverty. Many are forced into early marriages or relationships with adults to survive. Montseng, a 16-year-old girl, shared her concerns: “As girls, we face challenges like child marriage and difficulties attending school because our parents often have to leave for work and are unable to send us the support we need.”

In response to these issues, World Vision Lesotho joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme, “Girls’ vision for the future.” This event served as a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to raise awareness, advocate, and share knowledge on empowering girls and promoting gender equality in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

During the event, children were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and propose solutions. Lomile Machaba, a 15-year-old, passionately expressed, “Some girls get married too young because their families are struggling, and it’s seen as a way to help. Others can’t attend school because they have to take care of younger siblings. That’s just not fair! We have dreams and goals, too, and we deserve a chance to chase them. A girl should be empowered and equipped with self-defence skills to protect herself. I plead with the government to ensure that girls are supported for an everlasting generation.”

We have dreams and goals, too, and we deserve a chance to chase them. - Lomile 

The event was graced by Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the World Vision Champion in Child Protection. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of collective efforts in protecting girls against abuse: “All these challenges that affect a girl child need a collective effort toward ensuring a brighter future for a girl child in Lesotho, not leaving behind a boy child, because it is through protecting them both that we will overcome these challenges. It is in this spirit I have to acknowledge the work that World Vision does through the ENOUGH campaign that aims to address child hunger and malnutrition.”

I have to acknowledge the work that World Vision does through the ENOUGH campaign that aims to address child hunger and malnutrition.” - Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso

Her Majesty also led the distribution of 50 hygiene packs, containing essential items such as menstrual products, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and roll-on, to girls in four high schools: Phamong, Bethesda High School, Nohana High School, Mangaung High School, and Nthamaha High School. These packs aim to support the girls’ hygiene needs, which is a critical factor in their well-being, especially during their periods.

Boys also took the opportunity to express their role in protecting girls. Lepolesa, a young boy, remarked, “A girl has the right to live a full life, just like boys. We should stop abusing a girl child, protect her from harm, and end the discrimination they face during periods.”

The Minister of Education and Training, Dr. Ntoi Rapapa in a statement, underscored the value of education for the future of Lesotho: “Education is a human right and the foundation of progress for children and the nation as a whole. For girls, education is a path that builds their self-confidence, enabling them to stand up for themselves. Therefore, the formation of our curriculum unleashes the God-given talents in children, which include dance, drawing, technical handiwork, and many others.”

Education is a human right and the foundation of progress for children and the nation as a whole - Dr. Ntoi Rapapa

World Vision Lesotho National Director, James Chifwelu reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the cause, stating, “To all girls in Lesotho, your voice, your strength, and your dreams are what will lead us into the next chapter of our history. Your vision for the future is powerful, and it is one that we all must listen to and support. Let your vision guide us all toward a better tomorrow; whether it’s demanding education, standing up against child marriage, or advocating for gender equality and disability inclusion, know that World Vision stands with you every step of the way.”

..whether it’s demanding education, standing up against child marriage, or advocating for gender equality and disability inclusion, know that World Vision stands with you every step of the way.” - James Chifwelu

World Vision continues to stand alongside girls in their fight for a better future, advocating for education, gender equality, and protection from all forms of abuse. Through platforms like this event, girls are empowered to speak up, raise awareness, and work toward a future where their rights are respected, and their potential is fully realized.