National University of Lesotho (NUL) joined the Lesotho Standards Institution (LSI) in celebrating International Women’s Day on the 13th March 2025 at Victory Hall in Maseru city, Lesotho, under the theme “Accelerate Action”.
NUL was represented by Dr. Josphine Hapazari, a Sociology lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences. In attendance were officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, UNDP Lesotho, African Clean Energy (ACE) Lesotho, Lesotho Women in Mining Association (LEWEMA), Women in Law Southern Africa (WILSA), various NGOs and civic society and various media houses.
This year, the LSI celebrated International Women’s day in style, through a workshop format. The CEO of the LSI, Mr Molebatsi Rabolinyane warmly welcomed the audience. He highlighted that the LSI was established from the Gender Action Plan which spells out how the LSI is mainstreams gender in its day-to-day operations.
The LSI’s Parent Ministry is the Ministry of Trade, Industries, and Business Development. The Principal Secretary, Mrs. Palesa Matobako gave the key note address and she officially opened the workshop.
This was followed by a presentation by the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho, Dr. Jaqueline Saline Olweya who gave a general overview on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). She deliberated on the status quo in Lesotho regarding gender equality as well as the key actions required to accelerate progress and closing the gender gap.
A significant feature of the workshop was a panel discussion which was moderated the Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho, Dr. Jaqueline Saline Olweya. The panel was made up of key experts from various sectors, government, the University of Lesotho and civil society. The panel discussion was focused on five critical themes.
Dr. Josphine Hapazari, from NUL, deliberated on women’s rights at global, regional, and national levels. Ms. Rethabile Mafura from African Clean Energy (ACE) Lesotho cited challenges bedevilling women in business. Ms. ‘Mamosa Mosoang, from the Ministry of Trade, Industries, and Business Development, highlighted challenges faced by women in public spaces. Adv. Lucy Sekoboto, from the Lesotho Women in Mining Association, deliberated on issues pertaining to male-dominated industries. Ms. Kamohelo Phoofolo from Women in Law Southern Africa (WILSA) focused on access to legal services for women. There were two rounds of questions for the panellists from the moderator and one from the audience.
A gender expert from the International Standards Organisation (ISO), Ms Marie Nilsson, conducted a brief training session on gender and standardisation. Lastly, Ms Nilsson introduced a concept regarding the establishment of a Lesotho Gender Network, which comprises all government Ministries, Non-governmental organizations and institutions that are advancing the agenda on gender equality. This concept was welcomed and supported by participants.
NUL will be part of the Lesotho Gender Network given that it is an institution of higher learning that upholds women’s rights and it ensures equal access to educational opportunities for both females and males. The NUL also promotes a culture of inclusivity and this helps to shape a generation that values and practises gender equality.
