Female luminaries deliver inspiring talks to women, girls
Silence Charumbira
MASERU, Lesotho – The US Embassy in Maseru this week celebrated the Women’s History Month with a panel discussion of four female luminaries to inspire women and girls.
Auditor General, Mathabo Makenete; diplomat and businesswoman, Mahlompho Mokaeane; young medical doctor, Itumeleng Buti; Budget Controller, ‘Maleshoane Lekomola – Danziger and US Embassy Charge D’ Affaires, Keisha Toms all delivered talks that cajoled young female learners and other female guests.
Toms said the celebrations were “a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and struggles of women throughout history”.
“This month-long observance, which originated in the United States, has since been embraced worldwide and provides an opportunity to recognise the enduring mark that women have left on every aspect of society,” said Toms.
“Today, as we come together to celebrate Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the brave women who have fought for equality, justice, and opportunity. Women who have been at the forefront of every major economic, social, and political movement. Women who blazed paths to make it easier for those who may follow in their footsteps. We are reminded of the incredible strength, resilience, and potential of the women and girls all over the world but especially in the remarkable Mountain Kingdom.”
The sheer number of female luminaries is evidence that the US values women
The United States highly valued women participation in the decision-making process and this was evidenced on multiple levels by among others, the country’s first female vice president, Kamala Harris.
“… but we also have multiple women in prominent positions ranging from the boardroom to the courtroom. Actors like Angela Bassett, Olympic gold medalists and athletes like Simone Biles, singers, and businesswomen like Beyonce. And yes, foreign dignitaries charged with improving diplomatic ties wherever they go – like me.”
It was therefore inspiring that Lesotho had it’s fare share of female luminaries like Senate President ‘Mamonaheng Mokitimi, Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara, or Finance Minister Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane.
Female luminaries meant to inspire women and girls
“We are honored to have today in our presence the participation of Auditor General Mme ‘Mathabo Makenete, Budget Controller Mme Maleshoane Lekomola Danziger, businesswoman and former Lesotho Ambassador to the United Kingdom Mme Rethabile Mokaeane, and Medical Doctor Itumeleng Buti.
“Each of these influential women will speak to you about their roles and how they work on a daily basis to make Lesotho a better place for you to live out your professional and personal dreams. We hope you leave today feeling inspired by their stories and achievements because we know that you are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.”
The United States was a serious partner as the Lesotho government worked to tackle issues concerning the safety of young girls and women by combatting gender-based violence and fighting for gender equality. The United States strongly believed that creating more economic opportunities for women and girls would aid Lesotho’s efforts to decrease poverty, hunger, and unemployment rates, she said.
The Embassy was open to engaging with women and girls “on these matters and much more”.
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“Please let us know how you believe we can partner with you and help create a safe environment where every girl and woman can live with dignity, respect, and equality.
“As I conclude, I would like to say to the young women and girls present here today that Lesotho depends on you to bring about the change you and your country desire. Despite the challenges you may be faced with, you all have what it takes to leave your mark. Be ever encouraged to use your talents, voices, and leadership to change the narrative and shape your own future because your voice is your power.,” said Toms.
Female luminaries encourage women and girls to use regulated financial service providers
In her talk, Makenete encouraged women and girls to embrace financial services and technology from a tender age. She said young girls must use technological gadgets beneficially instead of obsessing over games.
Women must also strive to become producers, she said.
She urged women and girls to desist from over relying on the government to create employment.
“That is a story from the past. The government simply implements policies that level the playing field. Women and girls must find something to do. They must self-empower and self-develop.”
Women and girls were also reluctant to use regulated or licensed financial service providers because of the perception that they were expensive. However, they should know that no one was in business to provide a free service. Therefore, they should not approach fly-by-night financial service providers.
Mokaeane said whereas the political environment had become more conducive for women to join politics, it was disappointing that less and less women were in politics now.
“I don’t even know (why less women are in politics now) because now there are laws that capacitate us. Barriers have been removed. The largest population is female but only 15% of the current parliament is women. I encourage young women to join politics because that is where decisions are made. You have to see yourself participating in developmental programmes. It’s not about literacy but strength, effort and passion,” Mokaeane said.
A legislator at 26, she said she was inspired by her circumstances, having come from a poor, remote area without sanitation and had to travel for at least a kilometre to access a toilet. She said women participating in politics could change the world by actively reducing gender-based violence since they were empathetic.
Women should therefore support each other in the hope that Lesotho would soon get a female prime minister.
Dr Buti said it was difficult to enter the space of medicine for Basotho women because there was no training in Lesotho. In the countries that train Lesotho doctors like South Africa and Zimbabwe, “they require high marks and prioritise their citizens”.
“You’re reminded that you’re not a local,” Dr Buti said.
However, working in Lesotho was fulfilling although remaining in South Africa where she studied, would have been more rewarding financially.
