Kicking for change: Women’s football tournament tackles GBV and human trafficking

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – In a powerful blend of sport and activism, organizations Difa-Berea and Difa-Maseru have joined forces to launch a preseason women’s football tournament aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking.

The event, launched on May 13, will expand to Maseru for the first time, uniting eight teams from Berea and Maseru in a rallying cry for social justice.

This year’s edition marks a significant milestone, broadening its reach to include teams from two regions: Berea District: Berea Ladies, Koalepe Ladies, Sekamaneng Young Stars Ladies and Amazulu Ladies while from the Maseru District participating teams are the LDF Ladies, LCS Ladies, Khabisi Ladies and Massive Ladies.

GBV and human trafficking remain pervasive challenges in Lesotho, with 33 percent of women reporting physical or sexual abuse and trafficking cases rising due to economic vulnerabilities.

By leveraging football’s popularity, organizers aim to educate communities on prevention and reporting mechanisms, empower women and girls through sport and solidarity and to amplify survivor voices to reduce stigma and drive policy action.

More than a sporting event, this tournament embodies the power of collective action. As teams compete on the field, communities are reminded that ending GBV and trafficking begins with awareness, empathy, and unwavering courage.

The four-day tournament will be held at the LCS grounds beginning June 7 to 8 and June 14 to 15.

DiFA-Berea president, Lekhooa Thabaneng, stated that the tournament, sponsored by M100 000, will award the champion team M20 000, the runners-up M14 000, third place M9 000, and fourth place M6 000.

Individual awards will also be presented, with the Player of the Tournament receiving M2 000, the Goalkeeper of the Tournament M1 000, Coach of the Tournament M1 000, and the Top Goal-scorer M1 500. He also noted that each participating team would be provided with a jersey and a minimum of six game balls.

He addressed the event, stating that the tournament, previously held in Berea had always aimed to raise awareness of gender based violence and the killings of girls and women, incidents he observed have become more frequent in recent years.

In an effort to battle human trafficking, Thabaneng noted that this year’s tournament will include educational initiatives. He highlighted the growing problem of girls being trafficked to other countries, tempted by the promise of jobs. He also stressed the importance of partnerships with other organisations to inform women and girls about safeguarding themselves from human trafficking and GBV.

“We are exploring strategies to safeguard girls playing football against abuse and human trafficking,” said Thabaneng.

Tseko Ncheke from DiFA-Maseru thanked his Berea counterparts for organisisng the tournament citing the rising concerns about human trafficking and GVB as a key reason for their appreciation. He expressed his pleasure at the growing recognition and seriousness given to women’s football, noting a significant shift from previous years where it received less attention.

He concluded by stating DiFA-Maseru’s happiness at the thriving state of women’s football and its positive impact.