When ‘Matlotliso* returned to her village in Mohlanapeng at just 18, after leaving a difficult marriage, she carried fear, low confidence, and uncertainty about her future. “I used to be afraid to even get into a health facility. I had no confidence,” she shared. “But after joining a training offered by Help Lesotho, my self-esteem grew. Now, I am confident in everything I do.”

She was one of many young mothers, adolescents, and herd boys in Mohlanapeng who shared powerful testimonies during an engagement with the UNFPA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Ms. Lydia Zigomo, who was on an official visit to Lesotho. Supported by the Swiss Development and Cooperation through UNFPA, the Safeguard Young People (SYP) programme, implemented by Help Lesotho, has been instrumental in strengthening young people’s knowledge, confidence, and ability to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

A herd boy reflected on his own profound transformation:
“I used to cheer on acts of gender-based violence without recognising that it was violence. I also didn’t know how to access sexual and reproductive health services. But after the training, I now understand.”

For many young mothers, the programme has been a lifeline.
“I used to face a lot of backlash because of my height—so much that I once considered suicide,” one shared. “Help Lesotho empowered me. My self-esteem has improved, and now I can confidently address any gathering.”

Another young mother expressed gratitude for the reproductive health education she received.
“I don’t know how I can thank Help Lesotho and UNFPA. Through the training, I have been able to delay pregnancy until I was ready. I am empowered to make informed decisions, and I am using contraceptives so I can have children when I want.”

Even older women noted the shift in community dynamics.
“I was previously uncomfortable discussing sexual and reproductive health with my children,” one caregiver said. “But after the training, that has changed.”

The Chief of Mohlanapeng acknowledged the visible progress.
“I am impressed with the impact I see, and I thank Help Lesotho and UNFPA. Child marriage appears to be declining. But youth unemployment remains a major challenge,” he said, calling for the programme to be expanded.

UNFPA Representative (a.i.) to Lesotho, Mr. John Kennedy Mosoti, underscored that investing in education and eliminating child marriage are essential to securing a better future for young people.

The Regional Director praised the community’s efforts and underscored the importance of expanding ongoing initiatives.

“We need to assess how we can support the government to ensure substantial change in the lives of the people we serve,” she said. “We must see how to build on the great work already done.”
She urged young people to prioritise education and delay marriage. “I hope you all achieve your dreams.”

While in Thaba-Tseka, Ms. Zigomo also visited Paray Hospital. She thereafter thanked the Catholic Church for its commitment as a crucial referral facility. “I hope we will see fewer children having children,” she said.

As part of her four-day mission, the Regional Director also participated in the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the inauguration of Boiketlong Multipurpose Centre, a UNFPA-led joint UN initiative providing comprehensive support for GBV survivors. Established under a multi-sectoral framework, the centre offers safe shelter, justice services, psychosocial support, and essential health care.

Here, Ms. Zigomo met survivors and listened to their experiences. She reaffirmed UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and girls by 2030.

“I acknowledge the tireless efforts of the people of Lesotho in combating gender-based violence,” she said. “The journey is far from over, but together we can build a country where every woman and girl lives in dignity, equality, and freedom from violence. Today, and beyond these 16 Days, we renew our commitment to partnering with the Government of Lesotho to realise this vision.”

During a meeting with the Chairperson of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. ’Makatleho Motsoasele, MP Hon. Malelaka Malakane, and officials from the Senate, National Assembly, and the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU), the implementation of the Counter Domestic Violence Act (2022) took centre stage. The discussions highlighted the need for stronger coordination across health, justice, social development, policing, and community structures to fully operationalize the Act and safeguard women and girls.

On the second day of her visit, the Regional Director held bilateral meetings with Deputy Minister Hon. Nthomeng Majara and the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Hon. Lesaoana Pitso. Priority issues included Lesotho’s high maternal mortality rate, gender-based violence, HIV, child marriage, and the widespread challenge of youth unemployment.

Her third day began with a strategic engagement with the Minister of Health, Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane. She applauded Lesotho’s commitment to the Compact on Family Planning, a tri-partite agreement between UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance aimed at ensuring sustainable access to life-saving family planning commodities and services.

The meeting also addressed several national challenges and emerging opportunities, from the implications of new US tariffs on Lesotho’s economy to exploring innovative technologies such as digital health platforms and the potential use of drones to deliver essential medical supplies to hard-to-reach mountain communities.

Throughout her visit, Ms. Zigomo reiterated UNFPA’s continued support to the Government of Lesotho and its communities, especially women, adolescents, and young people who remain at the heart of UNFPA’s mandate.

Her engagements in Thaba-Tseka reflected a clear message: when young people are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and support, entire communities transform. And when systems are strengthened to protect the vulnerable, the foundations for a safer, healthier, and more equitable Lesotho are built.