Vodacom Lesotho Foundation and UNFPA Partner to Fight Gender-Based Violence in Lesotho

Vodacom Lesotho, through its social investment arm, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, has entered a three-year strategic partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Lesotho to strengthen efforts against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday in Maseru.

The partnership comes at a critical time as Lesotho faces a high prevalence of GBV. Studies indicate that 86 percent of women in the country have experienced some form of gender-based violence, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive interventions.

At the signing event, Vodacom Lesotho CEO Mohale Ralebitso emphasised the societal impact of GBV. He noted that the high rates of violence against women threaten national development and weaken the social fabric. He stressed that addressing GBV requires a unified approach across multiple sectors, from prevention initiatives to support for survivors.

The partnership aims to implement coordinated programs targeting both the prevention of GBV and the empowerment of survivors. This includes community awareness campaigns, capacity building for local organisations, and direct support services for victims. UNFPA Lesotho representatives highlighted the value of combining Vodacom’s wide-reaching communication platforms with UNFPA’s technical expertise in gender and reproductive health, ensuring the interventions are impactful and sustainable.

Through this initiative, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation and UNFPA plan to develop measurable outcomes that can inform policy and guide future interventions. The partnership reflects a commitment to a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of GBV while providing practical support to affected individuals.

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in Lesotho’s fight against gender-based violence, combining private sector resources with international expertise to protect women and strengthen communities.