Ntsoaki Motaung
The Lesotho Safeguarding Network gathered this week with leaders from various organisations to discuss collaborative efforts in combating sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and violence, with a particular focus on protecting children.
The meeting coincided with the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, an observance aimed at raising awareness and fostering action to protect children globally.
Lintle Mathosi, safeguarding officer at Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), explained that the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the network to different stakeholders, encouraging their involvement and gaining support for the network’s goals.
“Our aim is to avoid duplicating efforts and ensure that every NGO and civil society organisation is aligned in spreading the same message: the protection of people’s rights and preventing further harm,” Mathosi said.
Moving forward, Mathosi highlighted that after receiving pledges from various organisations and ministries, the network would outline specific commitments from each party.
“We will later engage with Members of Parliament to outline how organisations should function collaboratively to ensure that Lesotho becomes a safe and inclusive country, free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment,” she added.
The World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence is recognised annually on November 18, as designated by the United Nations (UN).
According to the UN, approximately 120 million females under the age of 20 worldwide have experienced some form of forced sexual contact.
While global data on sexual violence against boys is scarce, studies from 24 high- and middle-income countries suggest that between three percent and 17 percent of boys under 18 have also been affected by sexual violence.
