The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), as a responsible employer and values-driven organisation, is proud to participate in the forthcoming National Dialogue on Private Sector Engagement in GBV Prevention in the Workplace, scheduled for Thursday, 19th June 2025. This pivotal event is convened under the Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Southern Africa (PfP II) flagship initiative, led by GIZ.
This flagship programme seeks to build robust, long-term partnerships among private sector companies, parastatals, civil society organisations, and government ministries to collectively tackle the persistent and deeply rooted challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across workplaces and broader society.
As an early adopter of the initiative, WASCO has been recognised for its leadership and proactive stance in fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Our involvement reflects our unwavering commitment to social responsibility and our broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda.
At a preparatory meeting hosted at WASCO Head Office on Friday, 13th June 2025, Ms. Zandile Winile Sakoane, a consultant supporting the PfP II initiative, outlined the objectives of the upcoming workshop. She emphasized that the dialogue will serve as a platform for the private sector to share experiences, examine the impact of GBV on organisational performance, and commit to practical, sustainable solutions.
In line with the flagship’s goals, private sector participants are expected to co-develop a joint statement of commitment, outlining concrete and actionable pledges to eliminate GBV in the workplace. WASCO views this process not as a symbolic gesture, but as an opportunity to institutionalise a zero-tolerance approach to GBV through policy, communication, and sustained action.
Further facilitation will be provided to aid workshop participants in developing sector-wide GBV prevention frameworks, which will include tailored messaging and pilot interventions. These efforts aim to catalyse lasting change, enhance employee wellbeing, and improve productivity by ensuring psychologically safe and equitable workspaces.
GBV is not only a human rights violation but also a serious impediment to national development, economic growth, and workplace efficiency. At WASCO, we acknowledge that the workplace cannot be insulated from societal challenges — incidents of sexual harassment, domestic abuse spillover, and gendered discrimination affect not only individuals, but team cohesion, morale, and performance. Tackling GBV is, therefore, not just a legal or moral imperative — it is a strategic business necessity.
WASCO’s active participation in this initiative is a demonstration of our ongoing efforts to integrate social consciousness into our operations and to stand in solidarity with all stakeholders working to eradicate GBV from our communities. We will continue to be a voice for dignity, equality, and safety — both within our organisation and in the broader Lesotho society.
