Maseru, Lesotho — The Boiketlong Multipurpose Centre, a landmark facility designed to support women and children escaping gender-based violence, was officially inaugurated on 6 October 2025 by Her Majesty Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso. The centre represents one of the most comprehensive survivor-support initiatives in Southern Africa, highlighting a growing regional urgency to confront the GBV crisis with stronger, more integrated interventions.
The sanctuary, established through a partnership between the Government of Lesotho, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, United Nations agencies, corporate partners and civil society organisations, provides a full ecosystem of services under one roof, a model increasingly recognised as essential in countries grappling with rising GBV cases.
Survivors arriving at the centre can access safe accommodation, immediate medical care, psychological counselling, legal assistance, and guidance through the justice system. Children are supported through a dedicated Early Childhood Care and Development unit. Importantly, the centre also offers skills development and livelihoods programmes designed to help women achieve long term financial independence, one of the most critical barriers to escaping abusive environments.
At the inauguration, Queen ’Masenate described the centre as a new beginning for those who have suffered in silence. “The Boiketlong Centre is a lifeline where survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity,” she said.
Government leaders reinforced this commitment. Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara said the country cannot move forward while women live in fear, while Gender Minister Hon. Pitso Lesaoana told survivors: “We believe you, we hear you and we stand with you.”
Vodacom Lesotho, a key partner in establishing the centre, called the initiative deeply personal, recalling the loss of a staff member to GBV in 2021. Finance Director ’Mamoorosi Raditapole said the facility should serve as a national beacon of hope. UN leaders added that GBV continues to erode development and peace across the continent, urging nations to invest in survivor-centred solutions.
For South Africans, the centre’s opening is significant beyond national borders. South Africa records some of the highest GBV rates globally, and the launch of Boiketlong offers a powerful regional example of how coordinated government, corporate and civil society partnerships can deliver real, immediate support for survivors. It also underscores the shared responsibility across the SADC region to strengthen protection systems, expand safe spaces, and invest in long term rehabilitation and economic empowerment.
Although the Boiketlong Centre’s infrastructure is now complete, sustaining its operations requires ongoing public support. The programme invites financial contributions, donations of essential items, sponsorship of facility needs, and employment placements for survivors completing their programmes. Community members are also encouraged to act as “Ambassadors for Change,” raising awareness and mobilising resources.
The Boiketlong Multipurpose Centre demonstrates what is possible when a nation unites behind the fight against GBV offering not only refuge, but a path to healing, stability and independence.
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