Yesterday marked the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence(GBV) campaign amid a high occurrence of the practice, which highlights the urgent need for stronger legislation and accountability.
The global initiative is aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls.
This year’s initiative comes in the wake of shocking events that underline the need for immediate action.
A recent report revealed a tragic incident in Mokhotlong, where a man was arrested for the brutal murder of his former partner after she refused to withdraw sexual assault charges against him.
The horror escalated with the disappearance and murder last week of a five-year-old girl, allegedly at the hands of a 16-year-old neighbour.
In a separate case, High Court Judge ‘Maliepollo Makhetha sentenced Limpho Lethunya to 26 years in prison for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend.
While the sentencing is a step towards justice, it raises questions about the adequacy of punishment for such heinous acts.
Civil rights groups like SECTION 2 argue that like-minded offenders should face penalties that reflect the severity of their crimes, and are advocating for life sentences.
As femicide and child killings rise, SECTION 2 has criticised the government for its failure to effectively address gender-based violence.
“The recent ruling by the Appeal Court of Lesotho highlights the importance of legislative integrity, yet critical bills like the Counter Domestic Violence Bill remain in limbo. For genuine change to occur, the government must prioritise robust laws that protect women and children, moving beyond mere rhetoric to enforceable action. The time for accountability and reform is no,” SECTION 2 said in a statement released yesterday.
