MINISTER APPEALS TO MEN TO SUPPORT WOMEN ON GENDER ISSUES

The Minister of Gender, Youth and Sports, Mrs. Mathabiso Lepono has appealed to the male citizens of the country to participate actively and to support their female counterparts in ensuring that problems of gender that the country is facing are effectively addressed. The Minister was officially opening a consensus building workshop on Gender and Development Policy held at Maseru Sun Cabanas on Wednesday 17 September,2002. He notified men that gender is not only about women as many men confuse it and as a result shy away from it, but it is an issue which requires efforts of both men and women in order to ensure that every citizen contributes freely and equally in the development of the country.

Mrs Lepono indicated that it is high time that every mosotho rises up to bringing to an end rising cases of domestic violence, child abuse and rape in the country. She strongly abhorred the activities of men who have turned themselves into monsters which sexually abuse and harass small children. In wishing the participants fruitful deliberations during the two-days workshop, the Minister said they must feel free to contribute their views towards the policy which is at its final stages of formulation.

She added that the gender policy is part of the government's commitment towards protection of human rights for every citizen in Lesotho. She expressed a believe that the policy will contribute towards poverty reduction by striking men and women to unite and build peace which is the only gate through which the country can enjoy prosperity.

One of the Presenters at the workshop, Mr Tiisetso Makatjane from the University of Lesotho indicated that the main purpose of the policy is to create an environment whereby women and men, and boys and girls of the country will participate equally and freely in the development of the country. Mr Makatjane indicated that it is also intended to address some of the weaknesses of the Basotho culture where it gives men more power over their families and undermines the powers of women. However he emphasised that the policy is not there to put regulations on how people should control their families but to protect the rights of members of the families.

18 September,2002