Maseru, 18 August 2022
ReNOKA launches gender relations workshops at Khubelu, Hlotse and Likhetla
The National Programme office for the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) carried out the gender roles assessment workshops for the Community Watershed Teams in Mokhotlong, Leribe and Mafeteng.
The workshops were piloted jointly with the support from the Department of Gender within the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation at Khubelu, Hlotse and Likhetla sub-catchments between the 9th, 12th and 16th August respectively.
ReNOKA is a holistic movement of all stakeholders with the aim to protect and conserve the natural resources of Lesotho and the Orange-Senqu River Basin.
The discussions touched on how the traditional gender roles and norms continue to contribute largely to the influence of access and use of the natural resources by men and women, as well as the young people.
The communities shared ways in which both genders can work together to promote ownership and inclusion between men and women with the purpose of encouraging the best environment management practices, especially relating to land and water usage.
Speaking on the workshop, Mr Motsoalloa Sekate from Hlotse Priority Sub-Catchment applauded ReNOKA for establishing the platforms for men and women to share ideas and visions on how they can both contribute towards the management of natural resources.
“When you want to address the issues of environmental management, climate change and poverty, you cannot do that without bringing the gender aspect. The roles of men and women are very clear. Women are very informed in natural resources, but our gender roles and norms are limiting their participation in our societies, so today we looked at how men and women can contribute to the development and protection of the environment and the natural resources,” he said.
Adding to Mr Sekate’s comments, Mrs Mahlape Hlapane from Likhetla said ReNOKA is for everyone despite their statuses in the community, financial wealth, educational background or abilities. She said the movement is here to capacitate and help Basotho enhance their livelihoods through different measures such as farming and restoring water at the catchments.
Stressing the need for collective responsibility between men and women, the Principal District Gender Officer from the Department of Gender, Mrs ‘Mamolibeli Ngakane said the common perception has always been that women do not have the indigenous knowledge on the use of natural resources. She explained that her office is working hard to sensitize the communities on roles that could be played by women and young people in the Integrated Catchment Management.
Ms Palesa Lefojane from the Gender Mainstreaming office said, “through these assessments we have taken stock of the gender context in communities, now it is upon us to deliver ICM interventions in a manner that observes the unique needs and contributions of men and women”.
