By: Mamoipone Mohlabana
MASERU – HOPE leader Hon. Machabana Lemphane Letsie has urged the BAM Group Foundation (BGF) to ensure transparency in the implementation of its WYDE Women’s Leadership Programme if it is to achieve its intended goals.
Her remarks followed a panel discussion featuring representatives from Young Women of Africa, Youth Hub Connekt, the Disability Empowerment Association of Lesotho (DEAL), and the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN), which highlighted challenges preventing women and youth from fully aspiring to leadership positions.
Hon. Letsie said political parties have previously been disappointed by civil society organisations (CSOs) that came with similar objectives to BAM, claiming to support political participation but ultimately favouring certain political parties while excluding others, particularly women-led parties.
“We need to see transparency in your work. We need assistance in developing quality leaders, people who can go to Parliament with the capacity to address national issues without prioritising their political party agendas,” said Hon. Letsie.
In her concluding remarks, Hon. Letsie expressed strong support for the 60 for 60 Motion, which advocates for 60 women to be represented in the next Parliament while commemorating Lesotho’s 60 years of independence. She said the initiative seeks to improve the current situation, where only 30 women occupy seats in the National Assembly compared to 90 men.
Women’s Caucus representative and Member of Parliament, Hon. Manthabiseng Maeea, applauded BGF for launching what she described as a bold initiative that addresses many of the challenges faced by women in Parliament. These include a lack of support and limited inclusivity in decision-making processes.
She noted that male parliamentarians are often the primary participants in decision-making, even on matters affecting the entire country.
Hon. Maeea further stated that, besides being mocked and undermined in politics, women often fail to support one another.
“Women tend to fight each other rather than support each other, which is one of the reasons they are often associated with negative perceptions,” she said.
She added that negative social norms continue to discriminate against and shame women who participate in politics, creating fear among those who wish to pursue political leadership.
However, BGF ambassador and Deputy Speaker in the national assembly Hon. Matlhohonolofatso Tšepang Tšita Mosena reiterated that that the project is 100% apolitical, noting that it is not for political parties but for Basotho women because it needs to go home to all political parties in the country thus it is for everyone to make it work.
“I want you to look at me as neutral woman who is a Deputy speaker in the parliament, who stands for a representation of powerful women as you are in this room, who wish to be in places that make decisions for Basotho women” she concluded.
Hon. Tšeliso Moroke said an important issue for discussion is how young women can secure seats in Parliament, especially considering the existence of the Zebra Crossing Bill, which seeks to create opportunities for women’s representation.
He also emphasised that women should continue fighting for their rights and for gender equality in politics, while ensuring that young women are included in parliamentary processes.
Meanwhile, panellists urged that the programme should be able to identify potential leaders, provide practical political training, offer specialised training for women living with disabilities, deliver meaningful support to young people, and establish candidate incubation programmes to prepare women for leadership roles.
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