Welcome to Women Going Beyond

The project's primary objective is to advance gender equality in political participation, specifically focusing on local government elections in Lesotho. The core approach involves empowering women through civic education, promoting the gender empowerment of elected women and those occupying special seats, and fostering community engagement to ensure elected councillors are held accountable for service delivery.

The project envisions a transformative change that will not only increase women's understanding of voting rights but also empower elected women to actively advocate for gender equality while strengthening the voices of women in the community. By addressing barriers and inequalities, the project aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable society where women play a central role in decision-making processes and contribute to the formulation of policies that cater to their unique needs and concerns.

To accomplish these objectives, the project will employ a range of comprehensive activities. It will start by developing and implementing civic education initiatives specifically designed to enhance women's knowledge of voting rights, electoral processes, and the significance of their participation in the political sphere. These educational efforts will take the form of engaging workshops, informative training sessions, and the creation of accessible and user-friendly educational materials such as brochures, pamphlets, and online resources.

Target will be directed towards the Maputsoe Constituency due to its historical low voter turn-out especially amongst female voters in 2005, 2011 and 2017. Understanding that throughout the country there has been a concerning decline in female voters (2005 - 58%, 2011 - 49%, 2017 -40%) in local government elections, especially in Maputsoe Constituency. In addition, in our experience, there is little to no interest amongst young female girls in electoral processes, which alienates their interests at the service delivery level.

In addition to civic education, the project will focus on the gender empowerment of elected women and those holding special seats. It aims to equip these women with the necessary leadership skills and capabilities to effectively advocate for gender equality in political representation.

Leadership development programs and workshops will be organised, where newly elected female councillors can enhance their public speaking abilities, negotiation skills, and policy advocacy expertise. Furthermore, mentorship programs will be established, connecting newly elected female councillors with experienced female political leaders who will provide guidance, support, and valuable insights, enabling them to navigate the challenges associated with advocating for gender equality in political arenas.

Community engagement will be a key aspect of the project, aimed at fostering active participation and ensuring accountability of elected councillors for service delivery. Community forums and council meetings will be organized, serving as platforms for women to directly engage with local councillors, express concerns, provide feedback, and share their perspectives on important issues. Training programs on advocacy techniques and communication skills will be offered to empower women in effectively communicating with local councillors, enabling them to voice their needs and concerns more efficiently.

Moreover, feedback mechanisms and online platforms, will be established to capture women's opinions and suggestions regarding local governance, facilitating transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. Safe spaces will also be made accessible to young females so they can have meaningful dialogue with elected councillors on service delivery that address their needs. These spaces will take the form of social media engagements.