By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The Thusong Service Centre in Namahadi was alive with energy as women from different walks of life gathered to affirm one truth: a woman’s worth and value cannot be diminished.
The empowerment session held on 20 August, organised by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), left many attendees deeply inspired, carrying home messages of resilience, courage, and self-belief.
For 61-year-old security guard Malefu Skhosana, the event served as a powerful reminder that learning never ends. “Important things we learn when we are old… but Sesotho says you are never too old to learn. I leave here inspired by the speakers who were here to motivate us,” she said.
Young entrepreneur Karabelo Tsotetsi, a 32-year-old hairdresser from Tsheseng, echoed this sentiment. “If you are a woman you must stand up for yourself. You must be passionate about your business and push yourself. I also learned that as women we must use money wisely and save some of the profit we make,” she reflected.
Similarly, 33-year-old Gladys Mthetho, an entrepreneur from Debult who juggles welding, hairdressing, and wig sales, said the event renewed her drive to push forward. “We must be courageous and work hard. We must trust ourselves in business before trusting other people,” she noted, adding the importance of wise financial management.
The day’s programme also featured powerful messages from speakers who encouraged women to keep striving despite obstacles. GCIS’s Gino Lekitlane explained that the purpose of the gathering was to affirm the inherent worth of women while reminding them of the resources available through GCIS, the government’s key channel for disseminating information.
Veteran businesswoman Mme Dineo Moabi, at 71, brought wisdom forged over decades. “When you are a woman working hard to uplift yourself, not everyone will love you. That does not mean you should quit. In business, there is no age barrier. I am 71 years old and no one can stop me. Women must learn to work, work and work hard,” she urged.
Another speaker, 27-year-old Matshediso Likate, encouraged women to invest in themselves and never stop growing. “I set goals for myself and I am not afraid to add to my skills and upgrade myself. My message is that as women we must strive to improve ourselves, never be afraid to go back to school and sometimes volunteer your time in order to get experience. You may not get paid but the experience is more valuable. As women we must also learn to save and aspire to be better,” she said.
The collective message was clear: no matter the age or profession, women are capable of building, leading, and transforming their lives. Through hard work, courage, and the determination to grow, they can create a future where their value is recognized and celebrated.
