Maseru, June 4 — The Senior Gender Officer at the Department of Gender in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development Mr. Ntheka Matono has called for the revival of the Anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination Forum saying the platform is crucial for strengthening the country’s response to gender-based violence through enhanced coordination among stakeholders
Speaking during the Anti-Gender Based Violence Stakeholder Coordination Meeting held in Maseru on Thursday, Mr. Matobo highlighted that the forum previously played a significant role in bringing together government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions and community structures to collectively address GBV challenges.
He noted that gender-based violence remains a major concern in Lesotho, affecting women, men and children and undermining efforts towards social and economic development as a result, there is a need for a coordinated and multi-sectorial approach that ensures all stakeholders work towards common goals and avoid duplication of interventions.
Moreover, Mr. Matobo delineated that reviving the forum will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share information, monitor progress, identify gaps and develop joint strategies to address emerging issues related to GBV as the platform would also facilitate stronger partnerships and improve the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at preventing violence and supporting survivors.
He further stressed that effective coordination is essential in ensuring that limited resources are used efficiently and that services reach vulnerable populations in both urban and rural communities adding that the forum would also strengthen accountability among stakeholders and promote the exchange of best practices in the fight against GBV.
Participants at this meeting echoed the call for the revival of the forum, noting that collaborative efforts are critical in addressing the root causes of violence, including harmful social norms, substance abuse, and poverty and gender inequalities.
They further observed that the increasing complexity of GBV cases requires stronger cooperation among service providers, law enforcement agencies, healthcare workers, educators and community leaders to ensure comprehensive support for survivors and effective prevention initiatives.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment from stakeholders to work together in strengthening coordination mechanisms and advancing national efforts aimed at eliminating gender-based violence in Lesotho.
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