On Wednesday 11th December, 2024, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) joined the US Embassy and the Lesotho Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in a dialogue on fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Lesotho at the State Library (American Corner).
Representing NUL at the event was Dr. Josphine Hapazari from the Faculty of Social Sciences, in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. In attendance were the Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana; a representative of the US Embassy, Chargè d’Affaires (a.i.) Mr. Thomas Hines; FIDA Project Manager, Adv. Lebohang Ntlele-Rampai; a representative from the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development as well as; representatives of various Non-Governmental Organisations, Civic Society, members of the media and others.
In his speech, Chargè d’Affaires a.i. Thomas Hines underscored the importance of advancing legal protection and advocacy for GBV survivors in Lesotho.
Dr. Josphine Hapazari gave an overview of GBV in Lesotho, which included the conceptualisation of GBV in relation to harm, harassment and femicide, forms of GBV, global and national GBV statistics, the multifaceted drivers and effects of GBV, international and national frameworks relating to GBV, the role of higher education institutions in combating GBV.
Using the Ecological model of violence and the social interactionist perspective, Dr. Hapazari provided valuable sociological insights that formed part of the dialogue on this critical issue.
Meanwhile, Adv. Lebohang Ntlele-Rampai deliberated on the role of FIDA, the forms of GBV, the correlation between human trafficking, and GBV the effects of GBV, highlighting how technology has intensified this scourge.
One of issues that was discussed during the question and answer session was the NUL’s institutional gender framework, which comprises of three crucial documents, namely: the NUL Gender Equality and Equity Policy 2024-2029;theNUL Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence Policy and the NUL Standard Operating Procedures for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. NUL was applauded for putting in place a comprehensive framework, which ensures safe and inclusive environment for NUL Staff and Students. The Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in combating GBV, emphasising that economic empowerment is a weapon to cushion women from GBV.
