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As a proud gender activist, advocate for human rights and a member of institutions such as MISA Lesotho, NewSETA Organisation, and other civil society organisations, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative role that civil society organisations can play in advancing human rights and civic education in Lesotho. These roles are essential, especially in a country where gaps in civic education and resource allocation often undermine the potential for robust citizen participation in democratic processes.

My journey in human rights advocacy.

My advocacy journey has been shaped by my diverse experiences with organisations such as GIZ through the PISA (Participatory Initiative for Social Accountability) program, the European Union Election Observation Mission Lesotho 2022, and other grassroots-level initiatives. Each opportunity has deepened my understanding of the structural challenges we face and inspired my commitment to address them.

The PISA program, which ran for four years under Deutsch Gesellschaft fur international (GIZ), was a groundbreaking initiative that introduced unique approaches to civic education. Its modules, designed for inclusivity, and daily open sessions aimed at reaching everyone in the community, regardless of their socio-economic background. However, the program’s transition to civil society organisations (CSOs) highlighted significant challenges: lack of resources, inadequate expertise to sustain the PISA approach, and an absence of institutional support.

One of the most poignant lessons from my time with PISA was realising the vast unmet demand for civic education. This gap became even more apparent during my involvement with the European Union Election Observation Mission Lesotho 2022 for Lesotho National Assembly Elections. A key recommendation from the mission was the urgent need for a more robust civic education framework to combat voter apathy and low turnout during elections. Without informed citizens, democracy remains a fragile promise rather than a lived reality.

The role of civil society organisations in this matter.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Lesotho play a critical role in bridging the gaps left by government and international programs. They serve as the voice of the marginalised, advocates for policy change, and facilitators of community empowerment. However, for CSOs to be truly effective, they need to address several systemic challenges:

Resource Mobilisation: Many CSOs struggle with financial constraints, which limit their ability to implement impactful and sustainable programs. Strengthening partnerships with funders and leveraging innovative fundraising strategies can help sustain their efforts.

Capacity Building: The transition of programs like PISA to CSOs underscored the need for expertise and training. Building the technical skills of CSO staff and volunteers is crucial for maintaining the quality and effectiveness of civic education initiatives.

Community Engagement: CSOs must adopt inclusive approaches that prioritise grassroots participation. Listening to the unique needs of communities ensures that interventions are relevant and sustainable.

Advocacy and Policy Influence: Beyond service delivery, CSOs must work to influence policies that address systemic issues such as gender inequality, voter apathy, and access to education and healthcare.

Combating civic education gaps: a call to action

The gaps in civic education in Lesotho demand urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders. As a member of MISA Lesotho and other civil society organisations, I have seen how civil society can mainstream critical issues, such as media freedom, gender equality, and social accountability, into the national dialogue. However, this requires a deliberate strategy that goes beyond advocacy and includes actionable solutions.

Developing Tailored Civic Education Programs: Using the PISA model as a reference, CSOs can design modules that are accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant. Leveraging technology and local media can help reach wider audiences.

Strengthening Collaboration: Partnerships between CSOs, government, and international organisations can pool resources and expertise, ensuring a more coordinated approach to civic education.

Mainstreaming Priority Issues: Gender equality, youth participation, climate change and access to justice must be central to all civic education efforts. Addressing these issues ensures that marginalised groups have a voice in decision-making processes.

Monitoring and Evaluation: To measure impact and ensure accountability, CSOs must implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This allows for continuous improvement and demonstrates the value of their work to stakeholders.

My vision for Lesotho.

As a human rights advocate, I dream of a Lesotho where every citizen is empowered to participate in shaping their future. Civic education is not just about teaching people their rights and responsibilities; it is about fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and active citizenship. It is about ensuring that every woman, man, and child in Lesotho has a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

Through civic education program, citizens would be fully empowered with knowledge and tools to hold the government accountable for its roles in the parliament. The program would focus on educating the public about parliamentary processes, the roles of MPs and how to engage effectively with them. It would encourage active citizen participation in governance, promote transparency, and advocate for mechanisms such as public hearings and regular reporting by MPs. By strengthening the link between citizens and their representatives, the program would ensure that government actions align with national development goals and democratic values, fostering accountability and trust in Lesotho’s democracy.

The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. By investing in civic education, strengthening civil society organisations, and prioritising human rights, we can create a more equitable and democratic Lesotho. This is not just a professional goal for me- it is a personal mission, rooted in my experiences and my unwavering belief in the power of collective action.

Together, we can bridge the gaps and build a future where civic participation is not the exception but the norm. It is a future I am committed to advocating for, one step at a time.

“A country’ s progress depends on its people’s participation. Civic Education ensures every citizen knows how to play their part in building a better tomorrow”.

About the Author: Nthabiseng Matjama is a passionate gender activist committed to promoting balance and equality in the participation of men and women in all spheres of life. With extensive experience in development projects, her work spans critical areas such as food security, HIV/AIDS, civic education, and gender equality, where she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to fostering positive change.

Nthabiseng is a Mandela Washington Fellowship Reader, actively contributing to the selection process of future African leaders. She also serves as an ambassador for UNITAR, advocating for digital skills development among youth and women across sub-Saharan Africa. Her leadership extends to her role as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for Gender Links, where she plays a pivotal role in advocating for vulnerable women and advancing gender justice initiatives.