Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso Champions Menstrual Health at Hermitage High School
Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso continues her tireless advocacy for the empowerment of girls in Lesotho through the Hlokomela Banana Initiative. On 07 May 2025, the Queen led a heartfelt event at Hermitage High School in Qacha’s Nek District, where she handed over 380 sanitary towels to girls in need. The occasion marked another significant milestone in the national campaign to promote menstrual health and ensure educational continuity for girls.
Founded in 2015 under the Queen’s National Trust Fund, the Hlokomela Banana Initiative was created to address a pressing challenge faced by many young girls across the country—the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. This issue has long contributed to school absenteeism, with many girls missing several days of class each month. The initiative’s mission is clear: to provide free sanitary products to every school-aged girl in Lesotho, allowing them to attend school with dignity and confidence.
Since its inception, Hlokomela Banana has made a meaningful impact, reaching over 15,000 girls in 91 schools across the country. With an estimated 78,000 school-aged girls in Lesotho, the initiative remains focused on scaling its efforts to ensure that no girl is left behind due to menstrual health challenges.
Speaking at the event, Her Majesty emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in creating an environment where girls can thrive academically and socially. “We are not only giving out sanitary pads,” she noted, “we are restoring confidence, dignity, and the right to education.”
The success of the Hlokomela Banana Initiative is sustained through strong partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and international development agencies. Organizations such as Lil-Lets, Letšeng Diamonds, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have played a pivotal role in supporting the campaign’s expansion and impact.
Also present at the event was the Honourable Pitso Lesaoana, Minister of Social Development, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the well-being of girls across Lesotho. “Empowering girls is not just a social imperative—it is a foundation for national development,” he said.
The visit to Hermitage High School served as a reminder of how grassroots action, backed by national leadership and international partnerships, can drive meaningful change. It also underscored the importance of open dialogue about menstrual health, helping to dismantle stigma and promote understanding.
As Lesotho continues to invest in education, health, and gender equality, initiatives like Hlokomela Banana serve as a beacon of hope and progress. Let us continue to champion efforts that uplift and protect the future of Basotho girls—because every girl deserves to learn, lead, and live with dignity.
