Students equipped on SRHR, GBV and child protection

THABA-TSEKA– Members of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus have taken the
sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) conversation to learners in Thaba
Tseka, amid concerns over Early and Unintended Pregnancy (EUP) and child
marriage in the district.

The MPsengagedlearners at Thaba-Tseka High School, Ramoliehi Combined School,
Paray High School and St Theresa High School on SRHR, GBV, human trafficking and
ways of reporting crime and rights violations. The visit was supported by the SADC
Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF).

The engagement comes against the backdrop of data showing the challenges facing
adolescents in the district. The 2023–24 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey
found that 32% of young women aged 15–19 in Thaba-Tseka had ever been
pregnant, compared with 17% nationally.

Speaking to learners, Senator ‘Makholu Moshoeshoe encouraged them to abstain
from sexual activity, remain focused on their education and avoid early pregnancy.
Moshoeshoe told the students that they are still children who should be enjoying
their childhood, playing and pursuing their dreams rather than dealing with the
responsibilities associated with early pregnancy.
She also encouraged learners to take care of themselves during menstruation and
maintain good menstrual hygiene.

The engagement also highlighted the availability of sanitary products in schools.
Learners said schools distribute sanitary pads and that those who need them can
collect them from the schools’ offices, indicating that access to menstrual products
was not a major concern among participating learners.
Learners were further capacitated on GBV, human trafficking and mechanisms for
reporting crimes and rights violations.

Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) Lance Sergeant Lintle Mankoe encouraged
learners to report violations against themselves or others and informed them that
112 is a toll-free number that can be used to provide tips to the police.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social
Development, Lesotho Mounted Police Service and Women and Law in Southern
Africa also participated in the engagements.

Following engaging learners, members of the Women’s Caucus have a role to play in
strengthening legislation and parliamentary oversight on issues affecting women
and children. Through their work in Parliament, MPs will raise concerns emerging
from communities, scrutinise government programmes and advocate for policies
and resources that address challenges such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy,
GBVandaccess to SRHR services.
SADC-PF was established as an institution of the Southern African Development
Community, in accordance with Article 9(2) of the SADC Treaty on 8th September
1997, by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Blantyre,
Malawi. The Summit’s main objective for establishing the Forum was to “constitute a
Regional Parliamentary Framework for dialogue on issues of regional interest and
concern”.
Women’s Caucus is a parliamentary body comprising women legislators from
different political parties who unite on issues of national importance affecting
womenandvulnerable populations.