…Says higher voter turnout is key to transforming Lesotho’s male-dominated Parliament
By: ’Moelo Motsiri
MASERU – Last week, Informative Newspaper introduced a new weekly column, WYDE (Women and Youth Democratic Engagement), as part of an initiative to share inspiring stories of people who are making a difference in their communities.
Under the theme “60 for 60,” the campaign will run from August to October, featuring 60 remarkable stories of women leaders, men who champion women’s empowerment, and persons with disabilities whose contributions continue to inspire and shape Lesotho.
The first WYDE interview features the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Tšepang Tšita Mosena, who shared her leadership journey, the importance of democratic participation, and the role of women in driving positive change.
Speaking on democratic engagement, Tsita Mosena highlighted that it is essential for ensuring that the voices, ideas, and experiences of women and young people are represented in national decision-making processes. She noted that active participation in elections, public conversations, Parliament, community leadership, and civic activities strengthens democracy, promotes accountability, and supports the creation of inclusive policies that benefit society.
Mosena called on Basotho to actively support members of disadvantaged groups who seek leadership positions in Parliament and other decision-making institutions.
She said the appeal is driven by the continued underrepresentation of women in political leadership, stressing that women, young people, and persons with disabilities are equally capable of leading and making meaningful contributions to national development.
Speaking during a WYDE programme aimed at promoting women’s participation in politics, Hon. Mosena said Lesotho’s Parliament remains predominantly male, a situation she believes must change, particularly in the National Assembly where members are elected.
“I will speak directly about politics. We recognise that there is a major challenge, as women and young people are not adequately represented in Parliament, which is predominantly made up of men,” she said.
“We need to see these numbers increase, and we must understand what is preventing women and young people from being elected to Parliament in greater numbers.”
She explained that the National Assembly comprises 120 members, with 80 elected through constituency seats and 40 through proportional representation. Of these, only 30 are women, while three are male youths. She said the WYDE programme seeks to ensure that women and young people have the confidence, independence, and opportunity to make informed leadership choices in politics and other sectors.
Hon. Mosena also underscored the importance of democracy and active citizen participation through voting, encouraging all eligible Basotho to exercise their constitutional right.
“We need to see voter turnout increase to 100 per cent. Everyone who is eligible to vote should exercise that right and choose representatives who will genuinely serve the people in Parliament,” she said.
“As a constitutional democracy, Lesotho gives Basotho the power to choose those who represent them in Parliament.”
Reflecting on her own political journey, Hon. Mosena said her political climb was made possible through the support and confidence of other women and men. She encouraged political parties and communities to extend similar support to aspiring women leaders.
“I am here today because women believed in me and trusted me to represent them. I remain committed to that. They supported me until I reached this position. I urge political parties to identify capable women and support them too. When you see a woman with passion, ability, and experience, rally behind her and support her until she is elected.”
She noted that women have consistently demonstrated their ability to provide effective leadership through their performance in senior public offices.
“We have many women who have served in leadership positions and have performed exceptionally well, proving that women are capable leaders. We have a female Deputy Prime Minister who is doing an excellent job, female ministers who continue to perform well, and women in Parliament making valuable contributions. We have also had a woman serve as Ombudsman, and she discharged her duties with distinction. All of these examples demonstrate that women are equally capable of providing effective leadership.”
The Deputy Speaker further appealed to political parties to field more women candidates while encouraging voters to support leaders based on merit rather than gender.
“A woman should not be chosen just because she is a woman. When you see a woman with leadership qualities and experience, support her until she earns that seat. In fact, support anyone who possesses the character, competence, and vision required to lead.”
In her closing remarks, she encouraged women and young people to believe in themselves and confidently step forward into leadership rather than remaining followers.
“Allow yourselves to be seen as leaders. Have the confidence to step forward and demonstrate that you are capable of leading. When you do so, you will be recognised, and other young people will respect you and be inspired to follow your example.”
She also emphasised that political success depends on unity, strategic cooperation, and consensus-building rather than individual ambition.
“Politics requires strategy. You cannot stand alone and expect to succeed without working with others. Progress comes through dialogue, collaboration, and building consensus. Sometimes you may have to step aside and support another candidate for the greater good, allowing everyone to rally behind one person. That is not a sign of weakness, but of collective leadership, because not everyone can occupy the same leadership position within a political party.”
Hon. Mosena urged Basotho to prioritise leaders with integrity, competence, and a genuine vision for the country’s future.
“Let us support people who possess strong skills, integrity, compassion, and a clear vision for the development of Lesotho.”
Concluding her address, she called for greater respect for women and girls and urged society to embrace women’s leadership.
“To the youth, women, girls, and men, let us embrace the presence of women in leadership spaces. Women are not objecting. Girls are not objecting. They should not be used and then cast aside. They deserve dignity, respect, and equal opportunities to lead.”
Next week, we feature an interview with the Men’s Equity and SRHR Network (MESNET) Chairperson, Boitumelo Koloi. Watch the interview on BAM TV and read the full story in Informative Newspaper.
The initiative is inspired by the WYDE Women’s Leadership Initiative under UN Women, funded by the European Union, and implemented in Lesotho by the BAM Group Foundation.
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