Maseru, June 04 — Stakeholders involved in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) have been urged to strengthen collaboration and coordination to ensure a more effective response to the persistent challenge affecting communities across Lesotho.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Gender during the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Stakeholder Coordination Meeting held in Maseru on Thursday, Mrs. ‘Matlali Lesenya said that GBV remains one of the country’s most pressing social challenges, affecting women, men, girls, boys, families and communities alike.
She noted that the effects of GBV extend beyond individual survivors, impacting the health, social well-being and economic development of the nation stating that coordinated efforts among stakeholders are critical in ensuring that prevention, protection, response and support services reach those who need them most.
Mrs. Lesenya said that the meeting provided an important platform for government ministries, civil society organisations, development partners, law enforcement agencies, healthcare institutions, faith-based organisations and community structures to assess progress and strengthen partnerships in the fight against GBV.
“The fight against gender-based violence requires collective action. No single institution can address this challenge alone. Through effective coordination, we can maximise resources, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure that survivors receive comprehensive support,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of data collection and evidence-based interventions to guide policy decisions and improve programme effectiveness.
Mrs. Lesenya encouraged participants to use the meeting as an opportunity to openly discuss challenges, share best practices, and identify practical solutions that can strengthen the national response to GBV.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to create safer communities and ensure that every person can live free from violence, discrimination, and abuse.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rannyaliseng Maanela from the Department of Gender in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
He said that coordinated efforts are essential to ensure that interventions are effective, resources are utilised efficiently and survivors receive comprehensive support services.
Mr. Maanela noted that collaboration among stakeholders helps to avoid duplication of efforts, promotes information sharing and enables institutions to identify and address existing gaps in GBV prevention and response programmes adding that no single institution can adequately tackle the complex challenges associated with gender-based violence on its own.
He highlighted that through coordinated planning and implementation, stakeholders can maximise their impact, strengthen referral pathways and ensure that services reach vulnerable groups across the country.
He further stressed that partnerships are crucial in raising awareness, improving access to justice and providing psychosocial, medical and legal support to survivors.
He urged all stakeholders to continue working together to create safer communities and contribute towards the national goal of eliminating gender-based violence in Lesotho.
The Anti-Gender-Based Violence Stakeholder Coordination Meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, and other key actors working to combat GBV and promote the protection of human rights in Lesotho.
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