Senator ‘Mabataung Mokhathali has had a dream that has been fi ring her imagination for years.

She wants to set up a centre that can be a safe haven for young girls and single parents where they will be provided with counselling services. She wants to set up a safe space where children and young women can go to and know that they will be listened to and be heard without being judged.

This will be a place to express their opinions freely and be allowed to cry when there is need to.

Mokhathali, who is also the President of Lesotho National Council of Women, is a fierce defender of women’s rights. She is on a crusade to defend women and advocate for their rights. At the centre of her fight is her firm commitment against gender-based violence which she says is a “monster that eats the brains of those who live where it exists, creating a population of angry, merciless people”.

For Senator ‘Mabataung Mokhathali, gender-based violence stops development and the progress of individuals, their respective families and communities. It is also costly.  To address the challenges of gender-based violence, Senator Mokhathali says she wants to see Lesotho enact a fresh set of laws that protect women.

“Besides the laws, it is also necessary to double our efforts to train a girl-child about her rights and the power she has and to teach a boy-child about their responsibilities and consequences of gender-based violence. Both of them should know from a young age that GBV is evil,” she says.

Senator Mokhathali says Basotho women should know that they have the power to influence change and should therefore use it to model a young generation of responsible men that respects women.

Senator Mohathali says she wants to see women driving the process of change. “When we take small steps each day that can help us achieve great things.

“That as women we have the responsibility of bringing up children who respect God by taking care of humanity, the environment and see to it that God’s nature is preserved and protected,” she says.

Her philosophy in life is that her life should not end the day she dies. “This came after I realised that people are remembered for the good things they would have done for others and I also realised that most of the good things that can impact other people’s lives positively are there in each one of us.

“For example, respect, a smile, love, showing mercy.”

Her greatest achievement is getting a chance to represent the Lesotho National Council of Women as the President across different international conferences.

In her spare time, Senator Mokhathali likes to talk about “the greatness of God”.

She also loves to delve into discussions about good and productive politics of her country. She also loves gardening, watering and appreciating her flowers.