The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mr. Pitso Lesaoana led a delegation from Lesotho to the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) currently taking place in New York, USA from March 11th to 22nd 2024.

While addressing the meeting virtually, Mr. Lesaoana emphasised that the systemic and structural inequalities contributing to maintaining and deepening gender inequalities need to be addressed to achieve gender equality and lasting peace.

He pointed out that since women living in poverty are more likely to experience a depletion of their human capabilities through long hours of paid and unpaid work, development programs should address care work matters.

Along the margins of the CSW68, Lesotho also hosted a Side Event entitled “Addressing gender-based violence, hunger and poverty as well as environmental protection and climate change through beekeeping in Lesotho” where they shared experiences on the impact of economic projects in addressing gender-based violence.

This Side Event was well received by the participants from different organisations and NGOs who expressed interest in learning and partnering with Lesotho.

The delegation also held a bilateral meeting with the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) which expressed a desire to partner with Lesotho on Peace Education.

The delegation further had a meeting with the representative of the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo who reaffirmed commitment to support capacity building efforts of the Kingdom of Lesotho Parliamentarians on gender-responsive budgeting.

Source: LENA 19/03/2024