Rotary House Opens a New Chapter of Hope for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Lesotho
By Reentseng Phephetho , Communications and Digital Officer
In Lesotho, gender-based violence (GBV) continues to rob countless women and girls of their dignity, safety and opportunity, leaving lasting scars that extend far beyond individual survivors. The effects are felt within families, communities and, most profoundly, by children whose development and wellbeing are often shaped by violence witnessed or experienced at home.
According to the 2023–2024 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), almost one in two women (44.1%) aged 15–49 has experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. These alarming figures highlight an urgent need for collective action to protect women and girls while ensuring that children grow up in safe, nurturing environments.
As a Christian, child-focused humanitarian organization, World Vision International Lesotho believes that every child deserves a future free from violence. Creating that future requires investing not only in children, but also in the safety, healing and empowerment of the women who care for them.
Guided by its new 2026–2030 Strategy, which prioritizes partnerships that deliver greater Income, Influence and Impact, World Vision International Lesotho joined hands with the Rotary Club of Maloti to establish the Rotary House—a centre dedicated to restoring hope, dignity and opportunity for survivors of gender-based violence.
This important milestone was officially unveiled by His Majesty King Letsie III, symbolizing a shared national commitment to protecting survivors and building stronger communities.
The Rotary House will serve as a safe space where survivors can access support, healing and opportunities for personal and economic empowerment. More than a physical structure, it represents the collective determination of government, development partners, civil society and communities to break the cycle of violence and create lasting change.
Speaking during the official unveiling, Rotary District Governor Mrs. Yande reflected on the power of partnership.
"This facility is indeed more than bricks; it is a testament to what becomes possible when people of the same vision unite behind a shared purpose. A project of this magnitude does not take shape through the efforts of one, but through the collective generosity and sacrifice of many."
World Vision International Lesotho provided the support worth USD 19,342 towards the renovation and furnishing of the Rotary House. The support included office furniture, educational materials and other essential resources to ensure the centre is equipped to provide quality services to survivors.
The contribution included:
- Four round tables
- Three bookshelves
- Five whiteboards
- Four office tables
- One drawer cabinet
- Six credenzas
- One hundred backpacks
- Two hundred Christian literature books
- Twenty waste bins
- Forty litres of paint
Speaking at the official opening, World Vision Lesotho National Director, Mr. James Chifwelu, emphasized that the partnership reflects the organization's unwavering commitment to safeguarding women, girls and children.
"We have no doubt that the Rotary House will not only build hope, strengthen communities and transform lives, but will also enhance the effective and sustainable implementation of the Counter Domestic Violence Act, 2022, whose primary objective is to protect the rights of survivors and prevent domestic violence and related forms of abuse that negatively affect the lives of women and girls in Lesotho."
He further noted that the initiative contributes towards Lesotho's commitments under international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5 on Gender Equality, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator called upon every Mosotho to become part of the solution.
"Let us commit to something different—a Lesotho where a woman who speaks up is met with support rather than suspicion, and where neighbours who witness violence do not look away. This house can offer refuge, but it is up to all of us to build a country where no woman ever needs one."
She reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to continue supporting the Government of Lesotho and its partners in advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.
The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development described the Rotary House as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when government, development partners, civil society and the private sector unite around a common vision. "Together, we are restoring hope, promoting healing and creating opportunities for survivors to reclaim their futures."
He pledged that the Ministry would safeguard the facility and ensure that it continues serving survivors with dignity, compassion and accountability.
Officially unveiling the Rotary House, His Majesty King Letsie III described the centre as "more than a building"—a place that restores hope, nurtures skills and rebuilds lives.
His Majesty emphasized that Lesotho's greatest resource is its people, and that investments such as the Rotary House are investments in the nation's future.
He commended the Rotary leadership for its dedication and expressed gratitude to World Vision International Lesotho for its continued partnership in the country's development journey.
"Your contribution to this skills centre reflects your belief in long-term solutions and not just immediate relief."
The King also appealed to the surrounding community to take ownership of the centre, stressing that its long-term success depends on collective responsibility.
"This centre can only fulfil its promise when the community protects it so that it continues serving generations to come. I remain committed to a Lesotho where every citizen, regardless of birthplace or circumstance, has access to the tools they need to live a full and productive life."
The Rotary House stands as a powerful reminder that ending gender-based violence requires more than policies—it requires partnerships, compassion and sustained investment in people. Through this collaboration, World Vision International Lesotho and the Rotary Club of Maloti have created more than a safe haven for survivors; they have created a symbol of hope that demonstrates what is possible when organizations unite behind a common purpose.
As Lesotho continues its journey towards a society free from violence, the Rotary House will remain a beacon of healing, resilience and opportunity—helping survivors rebuild their lives while creating safer communities where every woman, every girl and every child can thrive.