Quthing Women Empowered Through Woman Know Your Car Campaign During African Women’s Month

Women in Quthing took part in an empowering community initiative as the Ministry of Public Works and Transport celebrated African Women’s Month through the Woman Know Your Car Campaign. The campaign was led by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ts’epang Koele, who joined women in Quthing as part of efforts to promote practical knowledge and confidence among female motorists. The event placed a strong focus on helping women understand their vehicles and respond appropriately to common problems that can arise while driving. Such knowledge can make a significant difference when motorists face unexpected situations on the road. The initiative also provided an opportunity to recognise the important role women play in their families, communities and the wider economy.

The Woman Know Your Car Campaign focuses on practical vehicle knowledge that can help motorists become more confident and responsible road users. For many drivers, knowing how to operate a vehicle is only one part of safe motoring, as basic understanding of the car itself can also be important. Women who understand how to check essential components can identify potential problems before they become serious and can communicate more effectively with mechanics when professional assistance is required. Learning about warning lights, tyres, engine fluids, batteries and other basic vehicle components can help motorists make informed decisions. The campaign therefore provides useful information that can have an impact beyond the event itself.

The participation of women from Quthing gave the campaign a strong community focus during African Women’s Month. Bringing practical road and vehicle information directly to communities allows participants to learn in an environment that is relevant to their everyday experiences. It also creates opportunities for women to ask questions about issues they may encounter while using their vehicles. Community-based initiatives can be particularly valuable because they allow government departments to engage directly with citizens and understand some of the challenges they face. The Quthing event therefore combined recognition of women with practical education aimed at improving road safety and vehicle awareness.

Ms. Ts’epang Koele’s involvement as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport highlighted the importance placed on the campaign by the ministry. Her participation also demonstrated the value of government leadership in initiatives that seek to equip women with practical knowledge. Public awareness campaigns can help bridge gaps between government programmes and the communities they serve. By supporting initiatives that encourage motorists to understand their vehicles, the ministry can contribute to safer driving practices and greater public awareness. The campaign also reinforced the message that women should have access to information and skills that allow them to manage everyday challenges with confidence.

Basic vehicle knowledge can be especially useful when motorists experience problems away from home or in areas where immediate assistance may not be available. A driver who knows how to inspect a tyre, identify a flat battery or recognise an unusual dashboard warning may be able to take appropriate action sooner. Understanding when a problem requires a qualified mechanic is equally important because attempting complex repairs without the necessary skills can create additional risks. The Woman Know Your Car Campaign can help women distinguish between simple checks they can perform themselves and situations that require professional attention. This approach supports safer vehicle ownership while encouraging motorists to take greater responsibility for the condition of their cars.

The campaign also has broader implications for road safety in Lesotho. Vehicle maintenance plays an important role in reducing risks associated with mechanical failures, particularly when vehicles travel long distances or operate on challenging roads. Regular checks of tyres, brakes, lights, fluids and other essential components can help identify problems before they affect a vehicle’s performance. Drivers who understand the importance of maintenance are more likely to seek assistance when they notice warning signs. By improving awareness among women motorists, initiatives such as this can support wider efforts to encourage safer roads and more responsible vehicle ownership.

African Women’s Month provides an important platform for recognising women’s contributions while also addressing issues that affect their daily lives. Celebrating women through practical programmes can make the observance more meaningful because it combines recognition with opportunities for learning and personal development. The Woman Know Your Car Campaign demonstrates how a women-focused initiative can address a practical area that affects mobility, independence and safety. Access to reliable transport is important for women who travel to work, run businesses, attend school-related activities, care for families or participate in community life. Helping women understand their vehicles can therefore contribute to greater confidence in managing one of the practical aspects of everyday mobility.

The Quthing event also demonstrates the value of taking educational campaigns beyond major centres and into local communities. Women living in different parts of Lesotho may encounter different transport challenges depending on their locations, road conditions and access to vehicle services. Community outreach allows government programmes to reach people who may not otherwise have access to similar information. It also creates a direct channel through which residents can engage with officials and gain a better understanding of available initiatives. Expanding practical awareness programmes across different districts could help ensure that more women benefit from information that supports safer and more informed vehicle ownership.

The response to the campaign reflects the importance of creating spaces where women can learn practical skills without hesitation. Vehicle maintenance and mechanical knowledge have often been viewed as areas dominated by men, but there is no reason women should be excluded from understanding how their cars work. Providing women with accessible information can help reduce dependence on others for basic vehicle checks and enable them to make better decisions when seeking professional assistance. It can also encourage younger women to develop an interest in technical subjects and careers linked to transport and automotive services. In this way, the campaign can contribute to both immediate practical knowledge and longer-term empowerment.

The Woman Know Your Car Campaign in Quthing provided a meaningful way for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to mark African Women’s Month while addressing an issue that directly affects motorists. Led by Permanent Secretary Ms. Ts’epang Koele, the initiative placed practical knowledge, confidence and road safety at the centre of its engagement with women. Teaching women how to better understand their vehicles can help them respond to common problems, recognise potential risks and seek professional assistance when necessary. The campaign also reinforces the importance of government programmes that bring useful information directly to communities across Lesotho. By continuing initiatives that combine women’s empowerment with practical education, the ministry can support safer roads and equip more women with knowledge that benefits them in their everyday lives.