British High Commission honours women leaders

The British High Commission in Lesotho has honoured two women whose leadership, service and vision are transforming communities. 

Political and trade officer at the Commission, Mahlohonolo Mohapi said the stories of Jan Jeffery, who came to Lesotho initially as a volunteer and went on to build a transformative physiotherapy outreach programme and Tleetse Phakoe, a Mosotho change-maker recognised as a Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Trust young leader, reflect both international solidarity and local leadership. 

Mohapi said the awards highlight the diverse pathways through which women drive meaningful change.

“Celebrating women’s achievements is essential to ensure their contributions are visible, valued, and amplified. Women like Jan and Tleetse demonstrate how commitment; whether rooted in local knowledge or international support, can transform communities. Recognition helps break down barriers, challenges stereotypes, and inspires more women and girls to pursue leadership roles and community impact,” she noted during the awarding ceremony.

The British High Commission works with partners to support women through programmes in health, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, ensuring ongoing impact beyond recognition.

They recognise work that is already deeply embedded in sustained community support, likeJeffery’s Physiotherapy Outreach Programme thatcontinues to expand access to rehabilitation services, skills transfer, and inclusive healthcare, benefiting many children and families and Phakoe’s Women Initiative Lesotho that focuses on empowering women through advocacy, training, and community mobilisation. 

Mohapi indicated that their part is to provide a platform for the awardees to showcase their work and hopefully meet and engage with people that can help to further their effort.

“These awards aim to inspire and elevate both a British national whose long-term service has strengthened Lesotho’s health sector, and a Mosotho young leader driving grassroots change, the High Commission hopes to showcase the power of collaboration and local leadership. The intention is to encourage more women to lead, innovate, and contribute to national development, while also strengthening support for the awardees’ ongoing work,” said Mohapi.

She also noted that this is a pilot and case of great alignment and it is too early to commit to whether there will be expansion of these awards. However, the UK is committed to continuing its engagement on women’s empowerment, recognition, and to further highlight women across sectors and strengthen platforms that celebrate excellence, whether through partnerships with Commonwealth programmes or local initiatives in Lesotho.

Her message to girls is that whether you begin as a volunteer, like Jan, or as a young community leader like Tleetse, every journey starts with a willingness to act. Their voice and ideas matter and they should stay committed to their purpose, invest in theircommunity, and support one another. 

“Change is often built step by step, and your contribution can have a lasting impact far beyond what you imagine” Mohapi added.