Mokhotlong Receives Parkhomes to Strengthen Maternal Health Services and Protect GBV Survivors

Two parkhomes, office furniture and beds have been handed over at separate events in Mokhotlong to strengthen services for women, girls and survivors of gender-based violence. One parkhome was handed over to Mapholaneng Health Centre, where it will serve as accommodation for waiting mothers. The second parkhome was handed over to the Child and Gender Protection Unit at Mokhotlong Police Station, where it will provide emergency shelter for gender-based violence survivors for a short period of not more than 48 hours. The support brings together government, the private sector and development partners in an effort to improve maternal health, strengthen protection services and create safer spaces for vulnerable people in the district.

At Mapholaneng Health Centre, the new parkhome will provide a place for expectant mothers who need to wait near the health facility before giving birth. Having accommodation for waiting mothers can support access to maternal health services, particularly for women who may face difficulties reaching a health facility quickly when labour begins. The facility is intended to strengthen the services already provided by the health centre by providing an additional space for women during the period when they are waiting for delivery. The handover therefore represents an investment in maternal health and the wellbeing of women and girls in the surrounding communities. It also reflects efforts to address practical challenges that can affect access to maternal healthcare in remote areas.

The second parkhome, located at the Child and Gender Protection Unit within Mokhotlong Police Station, has a different purpose. It will serve as an emergency shelter for survivors of gender-based violence who require temporary protection after reporting or experiencing abuse. Survivors will be kept there for a short period of no more than 48 hours while appropriate support and next steps are arranged. The provision of a dedicated emergency space can help provide immediate safety and privacy for people who may be vulnerable after experiencing violence. The facility also strengthens the environment in which police and other relevant service providers respond to gender-based violence cases.

Speaking at both handover occasions, Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Mr. Pitso Lesaoana expressed appreciation for the partnership between government and the private sector. He said the collaboration supports efforts to promote maternal health for women and girls while strengthening protection against gender-based violence in Mokhotlong. The Minister also acknowledged the role played by the United Nations Population Fund in coordinating support that turned commitments made several months earlier into tangible assistance. He emphasized that the new property should be used for its intended purpose and should contribute to protecting women, girls and survivors of abuse. He also called for continued efforts to reduce cases related to domestic violence in the district.

The support followed concerns and challenges identified through engagement between UNFPA, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development and the private sector. According to UNFPA Representative to Lesotho Mr. John Mosoti, the organizations visited the area toward the end of last year to listen to local communities and understand the realities faced by people, particularly young people. Those engagements helped identify gaps that required practical support. The resulting assistance included the parkhomes, office furniture and beds that have now been handed over. Mr. Mosoti described the initiative as an example of partnership aimed at producing a practical impact in the community.

The UNFPA Representative also said the support is helping to create safer spaces, stronger services and greater opportunities for people in Mokhotlong. The focus on both maternal health and gender-based violence reflects the different but connected needs of women, girls and young people. Health services require appropriate spaces and resources to provide care, while survivors of violence need protection and access to responsive support systems. The new facilities add physical resources to these services and are intended to improve the environment in which assistance is provided. Their value will depend on proper management, continued coordination and consistent use for the purposes for which they were provided.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Khethang Tenane also welcomed the support and expressed the commitment of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service to ensuring that the property serves its intended purpose. He said the police service is working to reduce gender-based violence cases in the country and called on everyone to join the fight against GBV. The involvement of the Child and Gender Protection Unit is important because police services are among the institutions that respond to reported cases of violence and abuse. An emergency shelter at the unit can provide temporary protection for survivors who may need a safe place immediately after seeking help. The facility therefore adds an important resource to the local response to gender-based violence in Mokhotlong.

Vodacom Lesotho Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mohale Ralebitso urged stakeholders and communities to work together to ensure that people are protected and served with dignity. He emphasized the importance of creating conditions that contribute to a peaceful Mokhotlong. His remarks reflected the broader role of private sector participation in supporting community development and public services. Businesses can contribute resources to initiatives that address identified community needs while government and development partners provide institutional and technical support. The handover demonstrates how these different contributions can come together around specific priorities affecting local communities.

Representing Letšeng Diamonds Mine, Mr. Sefefo Tiela said the company’s contribution was intended to help improve the living conditions of communities. The assistance with the parkhomes forms part of that commitment to supporting communities in the district. By providing additional spaces for waiting mothers and survivors of gender-based violence, the contribution addresses practical needs in health and social protection services. The support also illustrates the potential role of companies operating in or connected to local communities in contributing to development initiatives. Such contributions can complement government programmes when they respond to clearly identified needs and remain aligned with community priorities.

The initiative involved several organizations working together, including Vodacom Lesotho, Letšeng Diamonds, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, the Ministry of Health and UNFPA. Each institution contributed to a partnership focused on maternal health, community wellbeing and protection from gender-based violence. The collaboration shows the value of bringing public institutions, private companies and development organizations together to respond to specific challenges. The support provided at Mapholaneng Health Centre and the Mokhotlong Police Station gives the partnership a practical presence in the community. Continued cooperation could help ensure that the facilities remain useful and that women, girls and survivors receive the services and protection they need.

The handover of the two parkhomes, furniture and beds represents a practical investment in the wellbeing and safety of communities in Mokhotlong. At Mapholaneng Health Centre, the parkhome will support expectant mothers who need to remain close to healthcare services while waiting for delivery. At the Child and Gender Protection Unit, the second parkhome will provide temporary emergency shelter for survivors of gender-based violence for up to 48 hours. The initiative also highlights the importance of cooperation between government, private companies and development partners in strengthening local services. With proper use, management and continued support, the new facilities can contribute to improved maternal health services, stronger protection for survivors and ongoing efforts to reduce gender-based violence in Mokhotlong.