The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development will launch the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on November 25, focusing on ending digital violence and sexual abuse.
The campaign will run under the theme: ‘Stop Sexual Violence, No Silence, No Impunity-Emisa tlhekefetso ka motabo, Se ke oa thola, toka ho bohle’.
This year’s campaign aims to bridge the physical spaces of violence by addressing persistent acts of sexual assault, femicide, as well as human trafficking which continue to threaten women’s safety and dignity.
The initiatives aim to ensure that both urban and remote communities participate in the campaign, including those along border areas such as Tele, which face heightened risks of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The 16 days of commemoration will provide a national platform to raise awareness, influence attitudes, and promote accountability while engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV.
According to a press release from the ministry, this year’s commemoration will include diverse advocacy and community mobilisation activities, with a special march at Polihali Dam and its surrounding villages.
The commemoration is not just an annual event but a call to collective action, to challenge harmful social norms, ensure justice for survivors, and build a society where women and girls can live free from violence.
“Commemoration of the 16 Days campaign has been instrumental in increasing the voices of survivors, influencing legal reforms, and mobilising resources for prevention and response to GBV. In Lesotho, it remains a vital platform for promoting national dialogue on equality, justice, and the protection of human rights, as well as ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the pursuit of safety and empowerment,” the statement noted.
Activities will include a march at Polihali Dam, community dialogues in rural areas like the Tele border town, media advocacy, and a men’s football tournament in Maseru to engage boys as allies in prevention efforts.
The initiative will also emphasize community participation, media engagement, and partnerships with local authorities to strengthen prevention and support for survivors.
The 16-day campaign concludes on December 10, Human Rights Day, with a national summit to draft action plans. The government has pledged to combat impunity and enhance digital safety measures, urging citizens to join the movement to protect women, girls, and vulnerable communities.
