Vodacom Lesotho has intensified its social investment efforts with a groundbreaking new partnership aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) and enhancing the lives of women and girls throughout the country.
The Vodacom Lesotho Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding in Maseru, pledging to tackle what has become one of the most urgent social crises in the nation.
Lesotho faces a staggering GBV prevalence rate of 86% among women, one of the highest in the region. The crisis is not only devastating families but also stifling national development and economic progress. Against this backdrop, Vodacom Lesotho CEO Mohale Ralebitso said the fight requires collective action.
“Tackling GBV demands a unified front and a concerted, multi-sectoral effort. This partnership is a testimony to our shared commitment to addressing this crisis holistically, from prevention to survivor support,” he stated.
The programme is built on five core pillars, starting with providing safe havens for survivors and their children. It also offers holistic survivor support, strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships, driving rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, and advocating for gender equality and human rights. By combining resources and expertise, both organisations hope to make a meaningful dent in the scourge.
John Kennedy Mosoti, country representative, UNFPA hailed the role of the telco will play. “Vodacom’s leadership demonstrates the crucial role the private sector must play in driving social change and setting a precedent for other corporations,” he said.
Beyond addressing GBV, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has also been working to empower women and girls through digital literacy initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy campaigns designed to ensure equitable access to opportunities in education and technology.
Ralebitso underscored the long-term vision of the partnership, which he said aligns with Vodacom’s purpose of going beyond simply connecting people but striving to play a vital role in shaping a safe and equitable society.
“This commitment binds us to pool our expertise and resources and unify with other partners to better support women who are victims of GBV and their children, who are often the less documented victims,” he said.
The Vodacom Lesotho CEO further lauded the collaboration as a new chapter in the kingdom’s fight against GBV, which reflects the growing recognition that sustainable change can only be achieved when business, government, and civil society join forces.
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