Maseru, July 29 — Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs. Ts’epang Ts’ita Mosena has called for increased youth representation in Parliament saying young people must be actively involved in decision-making.
Speaking during a five-day journalists’ training on Advancing Youth Participation, Gender Equality and Democratic Governance through Responsible Journalism, organised by MISA Lesotho in partnership with Gender Links, Mrs. Mosena said that young people make up a large share of the country’s population but remain underrepresented in the National Assembly.
She said that the Parliament should strive for at least 40 percent youth representation, arguing that young people are better placed to articulate and champion issues affecting their own.
“Nothing for the youth without the youth,” she said
Mrs. Mosena stressed that meaningful participation can only be achieved when young people are directly involved in making laws and shaping national policies.
“The National Assembly currently has only three young Members of Parliament, all of whom are men,” She noted
During the discussion, participants cited limited financial resources, lack of support among young people and cultural norms that discourage youth from seeking leadership positions.
The training aims to equip journalists with the skills to report accurately and responsibly on youth participation, gender equality and democratic governance while increasing public understanding of Parliament’s role in promoting inclusive development.
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