Despite the 95% female literacy rate, the implementation of gender protocols, mainstreaming of national policies, quotas and the adoption of a political party zipper/zebra list – women earn only 30.9% of the national income; women make up only 26.6 % of the members of parliament and female ministers constitute only 22% of the total number of ministers.

Gender representation is a concern in Lesotho because gender inequality still disadvantages women over men in all socio-economic and political spheres. Patriarchy, cultural norms, customs, religious practices and both normative and structural discriminatory practices are usually the main factors that perpetuate gender inequality and impede the empowerment, most notably of women and girls. Gender-based violence is high and is recognized as one of the drivers for HIV, especially among women and girls, and as a threat to national development.

To address this, it is essential to prioritize policies that address gender gaps in human capital, economic opportunities, ownership and control of assets  and women’s voice and agency.  Lesotho’s  National Gender and Development Policy (2018–2030)  and the second National Strategic Development Plan (2018–2023) emphasize the need for integrated approaches to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment and to create greater opportunities, especially for young people.  

Furthermore, an inclusive, adaptive and shock-responsive social protection programme (targeting women and people with disabilities) and leveraging the potential of the digital can empower women by enabling them to succeed in the future of work, by giving them  access to essential digital services, including those for education and health care, and by increasing their civic and political engagement.

Lesotho ranks as one of the world’s most unequal countries (Gini coefficient of 44.9 in 2017). The national unemployment rate was 22.5 percent (strict definition) and 38.3 percent in 2019 (expanded definition to include discouraged job seekers) with youth unemployment at 29.1 percent. Supporting the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); investing in agriculture and nature-based initiatives and the textile industry that is highly reliant on functional global value chains and provides employment to the poor, especially women – these are key actions to reduce poverty and inequality. It also requires strengthening the skills and employability of the youth while ensuring a gender-nuanced approaches.

By investing in SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), Lesotho can improve on current employment challenges and move the needle on key priorities around the eradication of poverty, zero hunger, improved health care and educationProgress on Target 8.5 will benefit from advancements in closing key infrastructure gaps, specifically in electricity, sustainable and safe road connectivity and ICT and also  in promoting access to clean energy.  These actions will progressively help to address and overcome inequalities in Lesotho.

Infrastructure development has a significant impact on efforts to address existing inequalities and poverty and ensure economic competitiveness in Lesotho. Economic diversification has proven to be challenging due to limited road infrastructure networks (62 percent) and inadequate access to affordable and reliable infrastructure, such as electricity (38.7 percent),  water, transport and internet connectivity (48 percent). 

The industrial sector in Lesotho sector is largely concentrated in two spheres, textile/apparel manufacturing and mining. To spur industrialization and economic diversification, the government is encouraging domestic and foreign investment in agriculture, manufacturing, technology/innovation and tourism/creative industries to drive shared economic growth. Increasing access to renewable energy and expanding road networks will unlock economic growth opportunities in these sectors, catalyse rural development, facilitate economic transformation by integrating the MSMEs into the formal economy  and lead to the adoption of green and digital technologies in development.

By investing in SDG 9.1 (Industry, Infrastructure and Innovation), Lesotho can improve on current employment challenges and focus on key priorities around eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, improving the business environment, facilitating industrialization, private sector investment and regional integration. This is complemented by several public digital infrastructure development and construction-related projects, including Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which will augment hydropower generation capacity of the country and open opportunities for catalysing investments and for reducing unemployment.

Lesotho ranks as one of the world’s most unequal countries (Gini coefficient of 44.9 in 2017). Gender, place of birth, parents’ education, health and exposure to environmental shocks explain almost half (46 percent) the level of inequality. Low intergenerational mobility and the large gaps between rural and urban areas further exacerbate inequities.

Lesotho may consider tackling issues that contribute to inequality and that inhibit shared prosperity by supporting investment and equitable access in the following areas: in quality early childhood development; junior secondary education and health services; strengthening efficiency in health delivery systems for improved services; strengthening the social protection system to help build the resilience of poor households and of persons with disabilities; and enabling both to invest in their children’s health and education and to prepare themselves to cope with future shocks.

In Lesotho, around 52 percent of the population are satisfied with the public service received. By focusing on SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) and, in particular Target 16.6, measures can be a booster shot needed to promote inclusive economic growth, ensure quality and effective and equitable access to public services to the poor

Investing in SDG 16 will also inject the necessary momentum toward the ongoing governance and economic reforms. This means that Lesotho could set a higher target with for example the percent of the population satisfied with public services received, public participation  and political stability. When this happens, it will have a positive multiplier effect on other SDGs, and address Lesotho’s development priorities for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.