Maseru, Feb. 23 — A new study has revealed a strong link between the widespread availability of alcohol, both in licensed and unlicensed outlets and increasing incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in communities of Lithoteng in Maseru and Ha Mokhothu in Teyateyaneng.
Presenting the findings, public health researcher Dr. Janine White indicated that 86% of women and girls continue to experience GBV, while 40% of cases affect men.
She noted that alcohol’s affordability and easy access contribute significantly to high consumption rates, particularly among men who are frequently identified as perpetrators of GBV.
Dr. White further highlighted that in the Lithoteng community, alcohol outlets outnumberhouseholds, a situation she described as alarming and indicative of deeper regulatory gaps.
Community member Mr. Tséliso Thabang confirmed the issue, stating that urgent intervention from lawmakers is needed. He expressed concern for young people increasingly drawn into alcohol consumption and drug abuse, warning that the situation is deteriorating rapidly.
Another Lithoteng resident, Mrs. Pontsó Tumisi from Mokhosi oa ‘Mangoana, emphasised that full implementation of the national alcohol policy could curb many of these challenges. She stressed that without enforcement, communities will continue to suffer the consequences of unchecked alcohol availability.
Member of Parliament Mrs. Mamello Phooko added that women and girls are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol misuse and its consequences. She explained that the high unemployment rate leaves many men feeling powerless, leading some to exert harmful control over women and girls as a misguided way of coping with their inability to provide for their families.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Kabelo Halala described the problem of alcohol abuse and GBV as far more complex than most people perceive. He cited past efforts by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, including publicly posting drunk-driving offenders on the LMPS Facebook page. While the strategy initially yielded results, he said its effectiveness diminished as the public began to treat it humorously instead of as a deterrent.
Authorities and community members agree that without stronger policy enforcement and community-level interventions, alcohol-related GBV will continue to threaten the safety and well-being of many Basotho families.
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