The European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Lesotho, in collaboration with World Vision Lesotho, Sesotho Media and Development, and Alliance Française, marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence with a pledge event against this scourge, symbolised by a pledge wall where participants left their personal messages and signatures, a pivotal component of the EU "Justice for All" campaign. 

The initiative under the title "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” is part of a broader "Justice for All" campaign and aligns with the EU’s commitment to gender equality and justice in Lesotho. After the launch on 25 November 2023 on International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women, the campaign will continue with live TV shows, a radio campaign, and a youth competition until the commemoration of International Women’s Day on the 8^th of March 2023.

The youth were the main actors of the 16 Days of Activism pledge event. EU mentee, Maphakisane Letlola, and Youth Parliamentarians identified by the World Vision offered their perspective on combatting gender-based violence and violence against children in Lesotho, with an emphasis on the importance of implementation of existing laws, progress in the adoption of laws such as the Computer Crime And Cybersecurity Bill, 2022 and initiatives such as the creation of children courts, supported by the EU.

Paola Amadei, Ambassador of the European Union to Lesotho, delivered an address during the event. She emphasised the global nature of gender-based violence, stating, "Gender-based violence is a universal phenomenon. Statistics reveal that globally one in three women faces violence from a partner or experiences sexual violence in her lifetime regardless of her background, culture, ethnic origin, age or religion, and countries in the European Union are still facing major challenges in eradicating GBV. In Lesotho, a study by Gender Links in 2016 indicated that 86% of women in the country have encountered gender-based violence in their lifetime.”

The Ambassador underscored that the European Union, as a committed advocate for prevention of gender-based violence and protection of victims, invests in initiatives to break the cycle of violence notably with partners such as Sesotho Media and Development and World Vision Lesotho. She stressed the collective responsibility of communities and individuals to prevent abuses and their perpetuation and protect victims. "Breaking the silence surrounding violence against women and LGBITQ+ is an urgent imperative, in order to break the taboo and stigma."

The event was held at the Farmers’ Market, an initiative by the ReNOKA Programme hosted at Alliance Française, featuring stands by farmers selling their produce. The event also featured stalls by World Vision and Sesotho Media and Development, offering insights into the initiatives aimed at ending gender-based violence.