Lesotho United to tackle GBV in lockdown
Kick4Life today launched Lesotho United, a project to promote gender equality and to provide support to victims of gender-based violence during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Cases of gender-based violence are increasing in communities in lockdown throughout the world, with victims of abuse unable to access support and find refuge
Lesotho United calls on everyone in the Mountain Kingdom to work together to get through the health crisis, and to respect the rights of women, men and children.
Puky Ramokoatsi, who runs Kick4Life's gender programmes, said: "Lesotho is a male dominated country. but all women and girls have the same rights to resources, opportunities and protection."
Lesotho United will include access to support services for women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence, and a social media campaign to promote gender equality and gender rights. The campaign will use the power of football to challenge gender stereotypes that are common across Lesotho.
Victims of gender based violence in Lesotho can access the free to download Nokaneng app which provides a safe virtual space for women to support each other, as well as accessing emergency support.
Nokaneng was launched by Gender Links Lesotho in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation, Vodacom Lesotho and GIZ.
Co-founder Steve Fleming said: "It remains to be seen how Lesotho will be affected by the COVID-19 virus, but already lives are at risk through gender-based violence. If you can support our efforts to provide this essential support please get in touch."
Fleming continued: "We also hope to share resources and ideas with other Football for Good organisations around the world to help address these issues globally."
