Maseru, Nov. 13 — Lesotho is hosting a two-day Strategic Dialogue and Stock-Take Joint Sub-Regional Initiative for Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Against Women and Girls in Southern Africa in Maseru from Thursday.
The event is part of regional efforts to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality.
In her welcoming remarks, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, said GBV remains the most widespread human rights violation across Southern Africa, undermining women and girls’ rights to safety, education, and economic empowerment.
She emphasized that ending GBV is key to realizing SDG 5, as it affects progress on other goals such as health, education, and poverty reduction.
Ms. Mukwashi however mentioned that despite progress being made, agencies continue to face persistent challenges such as funding gaps, access to justice, and weak enforcement of laws and policies.
She added that these barriers slow down the collective efforts to create safe and equal societies for women and girls…
NT/BM
