Gender Links Lesotho has successfully concluded a five-day training program for 20 youth from the Ts’ana-talana council, Butha-Bothe, focusing on business entrepreneurship.

Mrs. ‘Manteboheleng Mabetha, the Country Director of Gender Links, explained that the project’s primary objective is to economically empower young women in their business ventures, reducing their financial reliance on men.

She elaborated that the project was born from a study that revealed women often endure abusive relationships due to economic dependency. Therefore, the project aims to equip women with the tools to initiate and sustain successful businesses.

She also stated that a program educates young entrepreneurs on effective business management and equips them to tackle challenges that may arise in their entrepreneurial journey. She added by saying it aspires to help women become pillars of thriving businesses within their communities, enabling them to break free from abusive marriages and relationships.

One of the program’s trainees, Mrs. Manthabiseng Ramakonyana from Linakeng, Ha Mothunts’ane, expressed the significance of the workshop, highlighting the valuable insights she gained for her business. She acknowledged that her current venture of vegetable farming is expensive and not profitable, primarily due to the costs associated with leasing land and equipment.