Rotary Club is set to host a charity gala dinner on February 28, aimed at raising funds to renovate a shelter for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
The centre, known as GBV House, was inaugurated in November 2025 by Her Majesty the Queen, as a national sanctuary for survivors of GBV.
President of Rotary Club, Yande Mothae, said the centre was designed to be a space of dignity, learning, and empowerment.
Located in Maseru, it will offer survivors access to books, digital tools, and skills development opportunities that foster healing, education, and long-term independence.
While protection remains vital, access to knowledge and technology is equally important in rebuilding lives and restoring agency.
Mothae said they came up with the initiative because Lesotho has one of the highest GBV prevalence rates globally: 86 percent of women have experienced some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime, while 42 percent of reproductive-age women have endured intimate-partner violence.
Mothae noted that these figures indicate not only a safety crisis, but also a dignity crisis.
“Survivors need more than just protection, they require resources to regain their independence, pursue their education, and rebuild their confidence. The Rotary House aims to meet this need,” she pointed out.
She revealed that the gala dinner hopes to raise funds to refurbish the house, furniture and equipment, as well as sponsor skills training and empowerment programmes.
“GBV is not a private matter. It is a community crisis that affects families, workplaces and future generations. Every act of violence steals dignity, safety and hope from survivors and silence allows it to continue.
“Standing against gender based violence means refusing to tolerate abuse in any for form – physical, emotional, sexual or economic. It means believing survivors, protecting them, and creating safes spaces where they can heal without fear, shame, or judgement. Survivors do not need blame; they need compassion, justice and support,” Mothae added.
