- Local Perspectives on the Scourge of GBV in Lesotho
- Deafening Silence of the Premiership
Keiso Mohloboli
In an effort to address and combat the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), a ground-breaking new movie, Endurance, is set to launch on November 9, 2024, just before the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
Lesotho has one of the highest incidences of sexual and gender-based violence in the world. The World Population Review 2022 report indicates that 86 percent of Basotho women have experienced GBV in their lifetime. Lesotho also ranks third in the world for the highest instances of rape per capita and sixth for the highest murder rates, ahead of countries at war.
It has become imperative to seek alternative ways of dealing with this scourge. Although there have been strides toward addressing gaps in legislation and customary practices that perpetuate GBV against women in Lesotho, much remains to be done to ameliorate the situation of women and girls in terms of prevention and response to GBV.
While Endurance will not be released through traditional cinema screenings or physical copies for public sale, civil society organizations, GBV activists, and corporate organisations are invited to book screenings for their advocacy programs.
The intention is for the movie to be viewed in groups, leveraging it as a tool to spark meaningful discussion around the pressing issue of GBV, with the hope that dialogue can lead to positive change.
The movie is a Lesotho-made effort, promising to shine a spotlight on the often-silenced victims and the urgent need for societal change. Endurance follows the harrowing experience of a middle-aged woman, offering a raw and unfiltered look at her struggles, resilience, and ultimate journey towards healing.
By weaving together powerful scenarios of abuse faced by a Mosotho woman, the movie aims to raise awareness, provoke critical discussions, and inspire action within communities—not only in Lesotho but beyond.
Mohale Media Production CEO and Founder, Matšeliso Mohale, has dedicated this film to all the voices that have been muted by fear and oppression. “We want to deafen the silence that surrounds gender-based violence,” Mohale said in a recent interview. “Our goal is to create a platform where survivors can speak their truth, and society can no longer ignore their plight.”
The film features a diverse cast of actors, including Mohale, Selikane Taole, and Lebohang Ntsane, who deliver compelling performances that bring the survivors’ stories to life. The screenplay, written by Matšeliso Mohale, is based on real-life accounts and extensive research into the psychological, physical, and social impacts of GBV.
Endurance also includes interviews with experts in psychology, law enforcement, and human rights advocacy, providing a comprehensive look at the systemic issues that perpetuate violence and the steps needed to eradicate it.
The film underscores the importance of education, legal reforms, and community support in creating a safer environment for everyone.
In anticipation of the movie’s release, non-profit organisations are invited to establish partnerships with the production team to organise screenings and panel discussions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of GBV and encouraging proactive measures to support survivors. These partnerships are open to organisations in all districts, with the hope of reaching as wide an audience as possible.
Early reviews praise the film for its unflinching portrayal of GBV and its call to action. Critics highlight the importance of such works in changing societal attitudes and behaviours towards violence against women and other marginalised groups.
Endurance is not just a movie; it is a movement. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and become part of the solution to end gender-based violence. As the premiere date approaches, anticipation and hope grow that this film will make a significant impact.
“Endurance peels back the curtain on the paradoxes that exist in homes and society, where all too often, GBV hides behind facades, and where the very essence of care and compassion is tragically distorted into cruelty and suffering,” Mohale said.
“It’s time to stop the scourge and stand up against this awful phenomenon. I hope that the film helps raise understanding of the gravity of GBV in Lesotho and that corporates come forward to play a role in elevating conversations around this important issue,” she added.
The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS)’s Gender, Child Protection Unit’s report notes that in 2021, 47 percent of the women murdered in Lesotho were killed by their partners or husbands. In the first half of 2022, CGPU received 45 reports of physical assault and 184 reports of sexual assault, with women being the victims.
