19th marzo 2026

Laws and protections on ending violence against women and girls in Lesotho

According to the 2023-2024 DHS, in Lesotho, 41% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence since age 15, and 15% have ever experienced sexual violence.

These resources provide a country snapshot on laws and protections on ending violence against women and girls, collated in 2025 to inform Equality Now’s advocacy across Africa.

What’s inside the publication?

  • International and  regional laws ratified/acceded to, or signed
  • National legislation
  • Policy frameworks
  • Support mechanisms
  • Legal gaps and implementation challenges

Who’s it for?

  • SOAWR members
  • Civil society organisations
  • Legal professionals

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Key recommendations

Lesotho has strengthened its legal framework and strong anti-trafficking measures. However, persistent patriarchal norms and harmful practices continue to impede effective implementation. Improved services, stricter enforcement, and ongoing community engagement are essential to safeguard women and girls.

Key recommendations:

  • Strengthen implementation of the Counter Domestic Violence Act, ensuring prompt police response, enforcement of protection orders, and survivor-centred procedures.
  • Increase resource allocation and strengthen capacity across shelters, health services, the judiciary, and specialised police units such as the CGPU.
  • Intensify efforts to eliminate harmful norms and practices, including through community-driven awareness campaigns and support for social and behaviour-change initiatives.
  • Increase specialised training for police, judiciary, and healthcare providers to improve case handling and reduce re-traumatisation of the survivor.
  • Enhance access to services in rural and remote areas, including safe accommodation, psychosocial support, and child-protection mechanisms.
  • Strengthen coordination among government bodies, including the Anti-GBV Coordination forum, to ensure effective policy implementation.
  • Improve monitoring and data collection to guide evidence-based planning and track progress on GBV prevention and response.

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