For the women of Hope for Rural Women Assembly (HRWA) Lesotho, July was more than just another month it was a time of learning, resilience, solidarity and action. Across villages, training rooms and even beyond Lesotho’s borders, rural women continued proving that they are not only farmers but also leaders, innovators and champions of change.
The month began with HRWA Lesotho’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) team travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa, for a regional strategic workshop. Together with women from across Southern Africa, they exchanged experiences, reflected on the progress made in supporting survivors, discussed the growing challenge of xenophobia, and explored practical strategies for preventing GBV and strengthening healing within communities. They returned home inspired and better equipped to serve women and girls across Lesotho.
Back home, another important journey was unfolding. HRWA Lesotho hosted an intensive three-day Seed Systems Capacity Building Workshop, bringing together women farmers, researchers, plant breeders, gene bank specialists and experts from the Ministry of Agriculture. The workshop equipped participants with practical skills in seed conservation, seed multiplication, soil fertility management, quality seed production and seed marketing. More importantly, it empowered women to see themselves not only as food producers but also as future seed entrepreneurs capable of strengthening local seed systems, improving household incomes and protecting indigenous seed varieties for generations to come.
July also reminded us of the harsh realities of climate change. Women farmers from the Leribe Chapter shared their heartbreaking experience after prolonged heavy rains destroyed crops planted across five acres of land. What should have been a season of abundance resulted in only a fraction of the expected harvest, leaving many families facing food insecurity. Yet, even in the face of loss, hope prevailed. HRWA Lesotho responded by providing maize, bean, sorghum and vegetable seeds to help families prepare for the next planting season. This intervention reflected the organization’s commitment to building long-term resilience rather than offering temporary relief.
Throughout the month, HRWA continued promoting agroecology and seed sovereignty, encouraging rural women to preserve indigenous seeds, strengthen biodiversity and adopt sustainable farming practices that protect both livelihoods and the environment.
The stories shared during July reflect the strength of rural women who continue to rise above challenges with determination, knowledge and unity. Whether standing against Gender-Based Violence, protecting indigenous seeds, adapting to climate change or rebuilding after crop losses, HRWA women continue to demonstrate that sustainable change begins within communities.
As HRWA Lesotho looks ahead, the organization remains committed to empowering rural women, strengthening resilient food systems and ensuring that every woman farmer has the knowledge, resources and support needed to build a better future for her family and her community.
Together, we continue to grow. Together, we continue to lead. Together, we continue to build a more resilient Lesotho.
