As the Mountain Kingdom celebrates its 200^th anniversary, the European Union Delegation to Lesotho is embarking on a campaign to promote the inclusion of women and girls through the #InvestInWomen campaign. It aims at promoting gender equality, ensuring girls’ education and women’s representation in political and business leadership roles, and ending Gender-Based Violence. The EU aims to promote gender equality to create a just and peaceful society that will #InspireInclusion through its governance and justice initiatives.

On International Women’s Day 2024, the EU Delegation to Lesotho, in collaboration with its partners the GEM Institute, the National University of Lesotho – Roma, and Limkokwing University will host a panel discussion alongside the soft launch of the Basotho-produced film “A Wish for My Daughter.” Co-funded by the EU and the Goethe Institute through the Sound Connects Fund, this film explores inheritance rights in Lesotho and the pivotal role of Basotho women within family and community structures. Additionally, this event marks the final steps of the #JusticeForAll campaign, which commenced on 25 November 2023, aiming to raise awareness about the crucial pillars of good governance, gender equality, and justice in Lesotho.

The EU aims to #InspireInclusion on #IWD2024 as its work aligns with this year’s UN theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. Through this initiative, the EU hopes to show that Lesotho investing in women can lift people out of poverty, for the benefit of future generations.

“Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is a matter of human rights – but also a matter of peace and security, social justice and economic progress,” explains Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

This year sees approximately 4 billion people throughout the world taking to the polls, as citizens from a plethora of countries gear up to cast their votes. Ensuring more equitable representation in decision-making and government starts with gender equality work. From voters to candidates and those in power, women have the ability to promote gender equality and improved governance when given the freedom to pursue political power. The EU welcomes equal and inclusive representation of women in all decision-making systems.

By celebrating women’s achievements, resilience and global contributions on #WomensDay, the EU Delegation to Lesotho stands against all forms of discrimination while its actions #InspireInclusion and aim to invest in women in the Mountain Kingdom.