The Power of Women Helping Women
I have wanted to share this story and video with you for a while. I simply wasn’t sure how best to put it in words. However, today I will try to tell you this empowering story.
In July, I was sitting amongst the ECCD Bo-‘M’e at Mantloaneng ECCD. We were having a normal meeting. My counterpart was leading the discussion and thus all I heard was Sesotho. Let me just say, my Sesotho is improving daily, but it is still easy for me to veg out if I am not directly involved in the conversation.
All of a sudden a ‘M’e was sharing something and she was in tears. Basotho really are not very big criers, in my experience, so I was shocked and curious about what was going on. Soon my counterpart asked me if I understood that the ‘M’e was sharing how a few men are breaking into her house and raping her. I was flooded with emotion and shock. How could this happen?
Before I could even respond, the Bo-‘M’e were planning to get together at the ‘M’e’s house and see what we can do to help her. When the day arrived at the beginning of August around 15 local ECCD teachers went to the ‘M’e’s village.
At the ‘M’e’s house, we sang songs and talked with the woman’s brother-in-law who was also there to give his support against these crimes. We also investigated the woman’s house. Her yard and house are kept in good condition, however the windows and door no longer lock properly. Thus, breaking in is pretty easy.
The video that I have posted shows some of my teachers talking about what we can do for our fellow teacher and friend.
In the end, we decided to get her burglar bars on her windows and doors. Burglar bars are required for PCV housing in Lesotho and they really do make a house very secure. The money for the bars will have to be raised through fundraisers as none of us have the money to pay out of pocket.
On the same day, we also had a pitso or meeting with the chief of the teacher’s village. We all shared our concerns for our friend. We also wanted him and the fellow community members to know that this is happening and to ask them to do what they can to prevent it.
From what I understand there were two men involved and one is now in jail for another rape. I believe the other man is known by my teacher, but has not been brought to the police yet. Currently, we are still raising funds for the burglar bars.
Overall, I was inspired by this woman’s strength to share her story with us. All over the world, these types of incidences are seen as shameful and many go unreported. Then seeing how the Bo-‘M’e came together to help their friend in her time of need. I feel very blessed to be working with the Morija area ECCD teachers and empowered by their caring spirit towards one another.
