UNICEF Lesotho appoints Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso as National Champion

Maseru, 23 November 2022 – Her Majesty, Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, has been appointed as a National Champion for UNICEF Lesotho, in recognition of her outstanding and enduring work in promoting children’s rights in the country.  

In her new role, Her Majesty will continue her collaboration with UNICEF by concentrating on advocacy efforts to improve education, child protection, health and water, sanitation, and hygiene across the country.  

“Children are the future of our nation, and we must do everything possible to make ensure they can fulfil their potential,” said Her Majesty in her acceptance letter. “I look forward to working closely with UNICEF to fulfil the rights of children and young people in Lesotho.”  

Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso has a long history of speaking out on children’s rights, particularly in supporting campaigns against early child marriage, and has been collaborating with UNICEF for more than 10 years.

Her Majesty has long advocated for improved awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene for young girls. In 2016 she started a project – Hlokomela Banana – to ensure that all girls in the country’s high and secondary schools receive free sanitary towels.   

Her Majesty was also a Keynote Speaker at the first-ever national Menstrual Health and Hygiene stakeholders’ consultative form, held by UNICEF, commemorating global Menstrual Hygiene Day.  

According to the 2019 data of the Bureau of Statistics, children in Lesotho account for approximately 39 per cent of the population.

In 2018 Her Majesty launched UNICEF Lesotho’s #EarlyMomentsMattercampaign, highlighting the need to invest in the first 1000 days of a child’s life – through good nutrition, love, play, and health. 

“Her Majesty’s advocacy and fundraising work on behalf of children have inspired the nation and we are honoured to have her Majesty join UNICEF Lesotho as a National Champion,” says UNICEF Lesotho Representative, Deepak Bhaskaran.   

“Her Majesty has a strong and genuine commitment to children’s rights, and in this role, she will continue her work to communicate to the public, especially young people, the vision and values that guide UNICEF’s work for children. She will also have the opportunity to urge policy makers to commit to making a better world for children.”