THE First Lady ’Masekoalana Majoro says child marriage puts the girl child at a major risk as young girls are not yet physically mature and early sexual activities bring many threats of damage to their developing bodies.

She said her office is therefore ready to start campaigning against early and forced marriage of children in Lesotho.

This, Mrs Majoro said on December 14 during an event that was held in Linakaneng, Botha-Bothe where 300 girls received dignity kits to help them improve cleanliness.

The plan was also meant to help young women and girls maintain their dignity during humanitarian crises.

The situation, Mrs Majoro also noted cannot be overlooked, adding there has to be a solution that will change innocent lives.

She therefore appealed to all the relevant governing structures at the community level, to join forces against early and forced marriage of girls, noting that it is a serious issue requiring firm resolutions.

Speaking at the same event, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative to Lesotho, Dr Marc Derveeuw said preserving dignity is essential to maintaining self-esteem and confidence.

This he said is important to coping in stressful and potentially overwhelming situations, while supporting women’s self-esteem and confidence.

Dr Marc said the UNFPA ensures continuity of sexual and reproductive health and rights, as part of essential health services during COVID-19 pandemic.

The UNFPA he said works together with other stakeholders to reduce the impact of gender based violence and harmful practices including teenage pregnancies.