The phenomenon of gender-based violence is pervasive around the world, experienced by some one in three women in their lifetimes The elimination of such violence has been increasingly recognised as a priority for the international community; therefore, a number of international and regional conventions and protocols have been entered into in order to advance protection of women and girls against gender-based violence. These are the tools from which the laws of Lesotho that seek to protect the rights of women draw inspiration. Any Legislation that criminalises violence against women codifies the rights of women to live free of violence.
Laws can play an important symbolic role by indicating that such behaviour is socially unacceptable. The associated sanctions may serve a deterrence function and hence, reduce the incidence of violence. Legislation can also be responsive to victims by providing for protection and access to support services. Lesotho has made some progress in addressing the GBV by enacting laws and policies to adhere to globally agreed guidance or standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus of these laws is to regulate the measures needed to effectively achieve the principle of gender equality in order to repress and make perpetrators accountable and guarantee support to victims.
