Successful women's projects: the case of the Lesotho National Council of Women
Khabele, M.K.; Moloi, F.L.; Sebatane, L.A.; Davenport, G.
Rural development and women lessons from the field, Vol II: 111-129
1985
Document Number: 379168
This chapter describes and documents a women's programme in Lesotho which has more than a 20-year history of helping rural women. The Lesotho National Council of Women (LNCW), a women's organization run completely by women, is made up of seven associations composed of numerous clubs all concerned with the social and economic position of women. The LNCW encourages women's self, family and community improvement through educational and productive activities. For example, member associations/clubs have established nursery schools in almost all districts in order to allow women to engage in productive activities. They hold informal classes to teach women various necessary skills. LNCW has its own qualified nursery school teachers and send members to non-formal education and training courses. These in turn go to rural areas to teach other women. The paper outlines the socioeconomic background of women in Lesotho, and then looks at the history, organizational structure and activities of the Lesotho National Council of Women, followed by details of the history and activities of four selected affiliated associations. The benefits accruing to rural women are grouped in five categories: household savings, nutrition, income generation, health, and socio-political. It is concluded that the main aspects of the women's initiatives, particularly those relating to factors necessary for growth and sustainability, are all centred round the longevity of the associations, regarding: (1) objectives achieved; (2) regular contact and communication; (3) regular training; (4) initiation, planning and implementation of projects; (5) income earning activities/projects; (6) solidarity - working together as a group; (7) membership of clubs, associations and the council. Finally, a number of recommendations are proposed, concerning: (1) participant involvement; (2) flexibility; (3) training; (4) regular communication; (5) resources.