The Kingdom of Lesotho was represented at the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69), held from March 10-21, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The session focused on reviewing progress made in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, three decades after its adoption.
The gathering brought together governments, civil society organizations, experts, and activists worldwide to discuss practical actions needed to improve the lives of women and adolescent girls.
Speaking at the CSW Plenary, Ambassador ‘Nena, representing the Honourable Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture, and Social Development, reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to gender equality as a fundamental human right. He highlighted the nation’s progress in key areas such as education, the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and efforts to equip women with entrepreneurial skills to enhance their economic independence.
Ambassador ‘Nena also emphasized the importance of financial investment in gender-related programs. As the UN prepares for the Fourth Summit on Financing for Development in June 2025, he urged SADC member states to adopt clear strategies for mobilizing resources, working closely with relevant UN agencies.
On the first day of the meeting, member states unanimously adopted the Political Declaration and Platform for Action. By the end of the session, the Multi-Year Programme of Work, which will outline the themes for the next four CSW meetings, was also set to be adopted.
SADC’s Regional Gender Focus
Along the sidelines of CSW 69, Ambassador ‘Nena attended a consultative meeting of SADC Ministers of Gender on March 11, 2025. Discussions centered on key regional challenges, including HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and gender-based violence, which continue to disproportionately affect women.
The meeting also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on food security in the region. Despite investments in agriculture, many SADC countries have been forced to declare states of emergency due to severe food shortages. Women, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, require targeted interventions to mitigate these challenges.
Lesotho’s participation in CSW 69 reflects its commitment to advancing gender equality both nationally and within the broader SADC region. The country remains engaged in international efforts to ensure policies and financial resources align with the goal of empowering women and girls.
