Twenty women from communities under Seate Council in Mokhotlong district have completed a three-day training on producing organic bath soap, dishwashing soap, candles, petroleum jelly, and bath salts.
These products, made using locally available materials such as aloe, offer viable opportunities for income generation.
Funded by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and organised by the Polihali Operations Branch social workers, the training forms part of broader women empowerment and livelihoods improvement initiatives.
The project aims to raise awareness about sustainable income-generating activities for communities within the LHWP Phase II area.
“This initiative builds upon other ongoing skills development efforts, including enterprise development, tourism promotion, and vocational training, which together create a foundation for long-term economic growth in the region.
“The timing of this training aligns with the LHDA’s collaboration with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) and other stakeholders to promote tourism in the project area. The products will primarily target the local accommodation market, including rural homestays that community members are beginning to establish following joint training programmes by the LTDC and LHDA,” said LHDA public relations manager, Mpho Brown, in a statement.
He noted that the project highlights the LHDA’s commitment to fostering women’s economic empowerment and community development while supporting small and emerging businesses.
“The LHDA’s commitment to fostering women’s economic empowerment is evident in this initiative, which is set to expand further with similar training programmes planned for other community councils within the Phase II footprint of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project,” he added.
