Motete child ‘brides’ in crosshairs of abuse

In the isolated community of Motete in Botha Bothe, girls’ dreams of education and self-sufficiency are being shattered by a disturbing trend of forced marriages, where girls as young as 14 years are coerced into matrimony by their families.

As the girls make their way to and from school, they are lured or coerced by herdboys into isolated areas where they are forced into sexual encounters.

Once married off, these child brides are cut off from their education and subsequently any prospects of empowerment. Removed from their families and community support networks, they become vulnerable to further abuse and neglect.

According to recent reports, forced marriages remain a persistent issue in Lesotho, with the country having one of the highest rates of child marriages in Africa.

A United Nations 2019 report revealed that one out of five girls in Lesotho are married before they turn 18 years old.

Around Motete area, a disconcerting pattern has emerged, with a troubling rise in the number of girls falling victims to forced marriage. The girls have reportedly fallen victims to sexual assault perpetrated by herdboys who allegedly invade school grounds without fear of reprimand.

This year alone, reports show that at least 10 girls aged between 14 and 15 have been forced into marriage, a practice that not only robs them of their future but also fails to address the underlying issue of sexual exploitation and violence.

Among these 10 girls, four are survivors of rape, while four had their cases shrouded in secrecy as parents opted to settle out of court, accepting payments of six cows as restitution.

The alarming trend has prompted a coalition of stakeholders to convene in an urgent effort to address this situation and bring to an end the exploitation of young girls in the area.

The gravity of this issue brought together various stakeholders including the district administrator of Botha Bothe, Tšepa Chaba, representatives from the ministries of local government, home affairs and police, social development and education and training, community leaders, school management, as well as pupils from Motete Primary and High School and Moluoaneng Primary School.

They came together to discuss the plight of these young girls and brainstormed strategies to prevent forced marriages and protect them from sexual exploitation.

Following the gathering held last week Wednesday, Chaba, who spearheaded the public gathering, acknowledged the significant challenges that lie ahead in addressing the complex problems of child exploitation and child marriage.

He described the long-term consequences of forced marriages on the girls, their families and the community as a whole.

Chaba stated that every time a girl is coerced into marriage, she loses out on the opportunity to pursue an education, gain skills, and make her own mark.

Every time that happens, he said, society misses out on the contributions she could have made.

“We all suffer when girls are denied their basic human rights and forced to endure the emotional and physical trauma of marriage. The physical and psychological trauma of forced marriage coupled with demands of domestic life and motherhood can have devastating long-term effects, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.

“We had the gathering not just to talk, but to take action. It is only through united efforts that we hope to protect our girls and create a safer, more just future,” he said, reflecting the sense of determination and resolve that permeated the gathering.

Chaba stressed that in many cases, the parents of young girls actually view forced marriage as suitable compensation for the exploitation they have suffered.

“We learnt during the gathering that after girls are raped or engaged in sexual activities with herdboys, the girl’s parents may see this as an opportunity to marry her off. This is due to our cultural norms where premarital sex is seen as bringing shame to the family,” he added.

While Chaba acknowledged the cultural context behind these beliefs, he strongly condemned the practice.

He noted that the approach fails to protect the girls from further exploitation and in fact, perpetuates their suffering.

Chaba further pointed out that this also has financial implications, as many of these girls are receiving government assistance to attend school.

“When these young women drop out, their potential is wasted, but also the government’s investment in our youth is lost. The high dropout rate not only limits the opportunities of these girls but also blocks others from accessing educational opportunities under government sponsorship,” he added.

Area Chief of Motete, Mopeli Motete echoed Chaba’s sentiments underscoring the urgency of the situation.

“We cannot sit idly while our daughters are taken advantage of and denied opportunities. It is our duty as leaders, parents and the community to safeguard the well-being of our children. This is not only a matter of morality but also a matter of justice,” Chief Motete noted.

Chief Motete further expressed his concern over the insidious practice of parents prioritising payments of cows over their daughters’ well-being and justice.

That was not only a tragic violation of human rights but also a tragic perpetuation of violence against women, further making a call to end the practice and prioritising the safety and dignity of girls.

He also issued a call to action, urging parents and community leaders to work together to prevent atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice.

In his impassioned plea, Chief Motete said: “It is important for parents to consider whether the bridal prices are important than their daughters’ dignity. We must stand together and report such unfortunate incidents, we must speak out and put a stop to this practice. It is not only about justice for these young girls but also for our society,” Chief Motete said.

Motete High School principal, Makoanyane Tsoelike emphasised the urgent need for community education in Motete.

Tsoelike highlighted the dangers of abuse and crime, as well as how parents can protect themselves and their children.

“Through awareness and education, we can truly begin to eradicate the harm being inflicted on our daughters,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of accessibility of law enforcement in Motete, stating that having a police station nearby will ensure that victims have a safe space to report crimes and seek justice.

Currently, he says, villagers must travel to Kao Police Station, which is far away, making it difficult for victims to come forward and seek protection.

Tsoelike drew attention to the troubling behaviour of some community members, stating that many of the herdboys in the area are causing trouble and some of the girls have started to engage in dangerous behaviours, like walking alone at night or entering into relationships with older men.

“This puts them in harm’s way and also exacerbate the existing problem of abuse and exploitation,” Tsoelike pointed out.

This alarming trend among young girls prompted the government to amend the Child Protection and Welfare Bill (Amendment), 2023.

If passed, the amended Bill would criminalise this practice and set the legal marriage age at 18 for both girls and boys. Those who engage in the practice would face criminal penalties including fines and jail time.

The Bill that is still before the National Assembly was first presented before the House on May 15 2024 by the minister of gender, youth, sports, arts, culture and social development, Lesaoana Pitso.

The Bill is meant to domesticate the 1993 Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) model law on eradicating child marriage and protecting children already in marriage.

Presenting the Bill, Pitso said its sole purpose was to make provision for the promotion and protection of the rights, general wellbeing and social development of children, the protection and care of children as well as the establishment of structures to provide care, support and protection of children.

He noted that the Bill seeks to address, remove and prohibit customary practices that are harmful to children such as child marriage, child labour and inheritance discrimination against children born out of wedlock.

“In addition, the Bill provides and regulates for licencing and registration of adoption agencies and the places of safety in an effort to encourage alternative care under the Principle of Family Preservation, Survival and Development,” Lesaoana added.