Grassroots communities of Lesotu benefit from social and developmental inlclusion
Puseletso Agnes Mpeisa, comes from Kolo Ha-Mohlalefi in Lesotu. She has witnessed the consequences of limited access to education, early unintended marriages and systemic inequalities, particularly among children and young women. Those experiences shaped her journey as a human rights defender and strengthened her determination to ensure that marginalised voices are heard.
Through her work with Citizens Voice and Action, Mpeisa supported efforts to address unintended marriages across 13 villages in Kolo, Mafeteng. Her community work also helped nine orphaned and vulnerable children obtain birth certificates, with about seven subsequently accessing social grants through the Ministry of Social Development.
As a semi-finalist for The List Awards 2026 under the Role Model Pan African Impact Award, the category honors both youthful and mature leaders who actively promote the idea that Africa is one, working to unite the region in spirit, purpose, and development.
To add on, her commitment to youth empowerment has extended beyond her immediate community. She has helped mobilise more than 2,500 young people, trained adolescent girls and young women, mobilised more than US$50,000 in grants, and contributed to the development of human rights manuals, charters and handbooks.
“I have a consistent track record of bridging grassroots realities with continental policy frameworks, to shape a future in which justice, equality, and youth empowerment are not merely aspirations, but tangible, lived realities”, she said.
With support from the ATHENA Network, she convened a national engagement that contributed to the adoption of the #WhatGirlsWant Programme National Advocacy Plan for Lesotho. Since March 2025, she has also hosted 41 virtual dialogues addressing issues including HIV, sexual and reproductive health rights and ender equality.
As the results of the finalists for The List Awards come closer, whether she wins or loses, her direction remains unchanged as she will continue advancing human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and inclusive governance.
“From the Kingdom of Lesotho to the rest of Africa, I remain dedicated to amplifying youth and women’s voices, advancing human rights, and contributing to a just, inclusive, and prosperous Africa”, she added