The European Union and Partners Drive Action Against GBV in Lesotho for International Women’s Day 2026

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical human rights and development challenge in Lesotho, undermining the safety, dignity, health, and social cohesion of women, girls, and vulnerable groups. It poses one of the most serious barriers to gender equality and social justice, affecting lives in homes, communities, and increasingly digital spaces. Behind every statistic lies a woman, child, family, and community whose future is forever altered by violence.

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Lesotho celebrates the leadership, strength, and achievements of women and girls across the Mountain Kingdom and beyond. While we acknowledge the progress made, we recognise that GBV continues to directly impact the opportunities of women across the nation, remaining a fundamental obstacle to national prosperity.

The European Union and its partners have unveiled preliminary findings from a series of nationwide studies aimed at dismantling the structural barriers to justice for survivors. These initiatives, funded by the EU and implemented by civil society organisations including Gender Links, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Seinoli Legal Centre, People’s Matrix, and Sesotho Media & Development, highlight an urgent need to strengthen three core pillars: prevention, protection, and access to justice.

This International Women's Day, the call is not just to celebrate progress, but to demand action. Today’s Maseru press conference, hosted by Gender Links Lesotho, unites journalists, officials, and partners to bring these matters to the fore, spreading knowledge and galvanising support.

As the European Union reflects on 50 years of partnership with Lesotho, equality and protection must remain central to national efforts. Ending violence requires sustained commitment and collective action.

Bridging the Justice Gap

Data collected highlights a critical justice gap. While Lesotho has established progressive frameworks, such as the Counter Domestic Violence Act, 2022, studies reveal that barriers, ranging from harmful social norms to a lack of institutional resources, often prevent the rights enshrined in these laws from being realised.

A primary focus of this year's research is the rise of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). As digital connectivity expands in Lesotho, the link between offline and online abuse has become a significant hurdle to women’s safety and participation in public life.

"Rights mean very little if they cannot be defended. On this International Women's Day, the EU and its partners aren't just celebrating progress; we are demanding action."

The full findings of the GBV Indicators Study and the Assessment of Institutional Responses will be published in the coming months to serve as a roadmap for national reform.

The research identifies significant structural barriers by documenting discriminatory practices within both formal and informal justice systems that frequently discourage survivors from reporting abuse. These studies also explore new digital frontiers, highlighting the devastating impact of online harassment and the urgent requirement for legal protections adapted for the digital age. Furthermore, the findings provide clear evidence that community-led prevention mechanisms remain the most effective way to shift deep-seated gender norms, while illustrating how GBV continues to undermine the health and productivity of the Basotho workforce.

Alongside this core study, partners are sharing initial observations from linked research into institutional responses and community prevention. These findings highlight emerging GBV patterns shaped by social, economic, and technological shifts. They expose harmful norms and support gaps that underscore the urgent need for survivor-centred services and evidence-based action.

The European Union stands with the people of Lesotho in the belief that a society’s success is measured by the safety and success of its women. Because when women rise, societies grow stronger.