It was a solemn yet defining moment when UNFPA, the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency in Lesotho, signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vodacom Lesotho to confront the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV).
The agreement, inked by UNFPA Representative a.i. to Lesotho, Mr. John Kennedy Mosoti, and Vodacom’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mohale Ralebitso, commits the two institutions to work side by side across four key areas: ensuring the safety of survivors, empowering them to rebuild their lives, supporting their reintegration into society, and promoting gender equality.
While the occasion marked hope for a new chapter, it was also shadowed by the sobering reality of Lesotho’s GBV crisis. According to the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), 36% of women in the country have experienced violence at the hands of a husband or intimate partner. Equally alarming is the nation’s maternal mortality rate—estimated at 530 per 100,000 live births—among the highest in the Southern Africa region, surpassing even countries affected by conflict.
“These statistics are heartbreaking,” Mr. Mosoti said. “At UNFPA, ending GBV is a top priority because no woman should have to live in fear. GBV does not discriminate—it affects women of all ages, professions, and backgrounds. Some even encounter it more than once in their lifetime. To address it, we must be decisive. No amount of blaming each other will take us anywhere.”
For Vodacom, the fight against GBV is not only a corporate responsibility but a deeply personal mission. Reflecting on the tragic loss of a Vodacom employee to GBV, CEO Mr. Ralebitso spoke candidly about the devastating impact of violence on women and children, as well as its economic cost.
“We lose women in the hands of men, and we must act to stop this,” he said. “That is why we have partnered with UNFPA. Fighting GBV truly takes a village. This MoU is a testament to our commitment—we will do all we can to support survivors and prevent further violations.”
Vodacom’s Board Chairman, Mr. Matlosa, echoed these sentiments, noting that the company has for some time been engaged in GBV prevention initiatives, including support to MMAMA - which focuses on reducing maternal mortality and saving lives through affordable emergency transport, SMS alert services, and safe houses across the country.
The partnership underscores a shared belief: tackling GBV requires a united front. Both UNFPA and Vodacom emphasized the importance of mobilizing more actors—particularly from the corporate sector—to join the cause. They also highlighted the role of socializing the boy child as a critical step in breaking cycles of violence, as well as the pivotal role of the media in raising awareness and driving societal change.
The MoU came into effect immediately.
In Lesotho, the Government has enacted laws that outlaw GBV, underscoring its commitment to protecting women and girls. UNFPA continues to support these national efforts by strengthening policy implementation and ensuring survivors can access justice. The partnership with Vodacom complements this by rallying wider societal action.
