Photo: Noluthando Honono
In the heart of Lesotho, the Good Shepherd sisters stand as beacons of hope and support for vulnerable women, offering a sanctuary for those who have faced abandonment and rejection. At the core of their mission is a dedicated centre that employs a holistic approach to empower young women who find themselves alone and pregnant after being abandoned by their boyfriends during adolescence. Sr Laurentina, an ambassador of the World Women's Observatory, shares details of the work of the Good Shepherd’s Sisters.
This centre serves as a haven, where these young women are not only provided with care and support but are also equipped with valuable life skills. The sisters understand the importance of self-sufficiency and, as part of their holistic approach, impart skills such as decoration and catering, sewing, and agriculture. By doing so, they aim to empower these women to rebuild their lives with newfound confidence and independence.
One significant aspect of their work involves extending compassion to incarcerated women. Special days are scheduled to visit these women, providing them with a sense of connection and understanding during their difficult times. The Good Shepherd sisters recognize the importance of reaching out to those in prison, offering not just physical care but also emotional support to help these women navigate through the challenges they face behind bars.
In addition to their hands-on approach, the Good Shepherd sisters are fervently involved in the fight against human trafficking, where women often find themselves as victims. Recognizing the prevalence of this grave injustice, the sisters channel their efforts towards advocating for justice and working tirelessly to combat human trafficking. Their commitment to this cause stems from a deep understanding of the vulnerability that women face in such situations, and they strive to be a voice for those who are silenced. This is an essential part of the collaboration of the Good Shepherd Sisters with the World Women's Observatory which aims to respond to issues of gender-based violence in Africa.
The Good Shepherd sisters' mission in Lesotho extends beyond providing immediate relief; it seeks to address the root causes of societal issues that disproportionately affect women. Through their multifaceted approach, they stand as pillars of strength, empowering vulnerable women and fighting against injustice in all its forms. In a world where compassion and advocacy are essential, the Good Shepherd sisters, within the World Women's Observatory network, are among those who exemplify the transformative power of empathy and dedicated action.
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