GBV costs Lesotho M1.6bn per year: Majara

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is costing Lesotho an estimated M1.6 billion per year due to absenteeism from work, school or other socio-economic responsibilities.

The scourge also leads to reduced productivity, healthcare costs, overburdening of justice system and economic exclusion, Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, says.

She told an event to commemorate International Women’s Day this week that women’s rights remain compromised, calling for a unified, coordinated, and integrated approach to address the issue.

“We must work together to protect our women and girls,” she urged.

The year’s theme is: ‘Rights. Justice. Action for ALL Women and Girls.

Lesotho has enacted laws such as the Disability Equity Act of 2022, Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011, Counter Domestic Violence Act of 2022, Administration of Estates and Inheritance Act of 2022, Labour Act of 2024, and Sexual Offences Act No: 2 of 2003. These laws aim to safeguard vulnerable groups, promote equality, and provide justice for GBV victims, addressing issues like domestic violence, child protection, inheritance, and workplace rights.

Majara however, noted that despite such existing legal frameworks, Lesotho is still struggling to curb GBV.

She highlighted that 44% of the population is affected. “This is unacceptably high. The consequences are far-reaching, with economic, emotional, physical, psychological, and social impacts felt across the nation.”

According to statistics from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, and the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mokhotlong district is grappling with a surge in GBV cases against women and girls, with domestic violence leading the tide.

The organisations say 25 domestic violence cases have been reported in the district in just three months of this year alone.

Seventy and 98 cases were recorded in 2024 and 2025, respectively, they noted.

Seven adult sexual offence cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year, down from 60 in 2025 and 50 in 2024. However, cases involving minors have so far reached 15 this year, with 60 recorded in 2024 and 70 in 2025.

Teenage pregnancy cases are relatively low, as only two were recorded in the past three months, compared to 10 in 2024 and 15 in 2025.

Twelve child marriage cases were reported in 2024, 15 in 2025, but none this year so far.

In Tlokoeng Mapholaneng area still in Mokhotlong district, three GBV cases have been reported over the same period.

Five domestic violence cases have been recorded this year, compared to 25 in 2025 and 10 in 2024. Sexual offence cases for minors stand at two this year, with 50 recorded in 2025 and 35 in 2024.

No teenage pregnancy cases have been reported in the area this year, but there were 19 in 2025 and four in 2024.

Also, no early child marriage cases have been recorded during the same period, compared to 12 in 2025 and eight in 2024.

Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, attributes the increase to improved reporting, a positive sign that more victims are coming forward.

“The increase is a positive sign that most cases are being reported to the police,” Lesaoana said during the same event.

He encouraged men to take action. “I always tell my fellow men that we can stop GBV today if we want to. We just have to stop.”

Lesaoana also commended the police and his ministry efforts in reporting and addressing GBV cases.