Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso Empowers Girls at Hermitage High School with “Hlokomela Ngoanana” Campaign
Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso continues her tireless advocacy for the empowerment and well-being of young girls in Lesotho with a recent visit to Hermitage High School in Qacha’s Nek. The Queen was there to support the “Hlokomela Ngoanana” (Take Care of the Girl) campaign, an initiative designed to promote the health, education, and rights of girls across the country.
During her visit, Her Majesty spoke directly to the students, particularly young girls, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on their education and striving for a better future. “Education is the key to unlocking your potential and shaping a brighter future,” the Queen stated. “By staying dedicated to your studies, you can avoid many challenges, including teenage pregnancy, drug use, and alcohol abuse, which can often derail your dreams.”
A Call to Open Communication About Health
In addition to encouraging educational commitment, Queen Masenate urged the girls to maintain open communication with elders about their health. She stressed that speaking up about any health concerns, especially those related to menstrual health, is vital in preventing problems and avoiding unnecessary suffering. “Your health is important, and it’s essential to speak openly about it. Do not suffer in silence,” she urged.
Her words resonated deeply with the students, who expressed gratitude for the Queen’s guidance and support. By addressing sensitive topics like menstrual health and well-being, the Queen continues to help break down stigmas and create an environment where girls feel empowered to take charge of their own health.
Promoting Respect and Support Among Young People
In her address, Her Majesty also highlighted the importance of fostering respect and support between boys and girls, particularly during challenging times like menstruation. The Queen urged young men to be understanding and compassionate, especially during their peers’ menstrual periods. “Boys, you have a role to play in supporting girls and treating them with respect, especially during their menstruation,” she said. “This will help build healthier, more respectful relationships between young people.”
By encouraging boys to be supportive and empathetic, the Queen is helping to create a culture of mutual respect, where both genders work together to address issues like gender inequality and stigma. Such efforts are essential in ensuring that both girls and boys can grow up in an environment that values their health, well-being, and dignity.
The Importance of “Hlokomela Ngoanana”
The “Hlokomela Ngoanana” campaign, launched by Her Majesty in 2015, focuses on raising awareness about the challenges girls face in Lesotho, from menstrual health to educational opportunities. The initiative aims to provide practical support, guidance, and resources to help girls navigate these challenges and thrive.
As part of the campaign, the Queen has been visiting schools across the country, meeting with girls, boys, and educators, and encouraging open dialogue on issues that affect the lives of young people. Her Majesty’s ongoing commitment to the “Hlokomela Ngoanana” campaign has earned her widespread admiration for her efforts to create a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered society for all Basotho youth.
As Lesotho continues to work towards greater gender equality, initiatives like “Hlokomela Ngoanana” are essential in empowering the next generation of leaders. By supporting both the educational and emotional well-being of young girls, Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso is helping to create a brighter, more promising future for girls across Lesotho.
Through her continued leadership, the Queen has shown that by addressing health concerns, fostering respect, and emphasizing the importance of education, we can build a more resilient and equitable society for all.
