Tsoelikana Community Council COE

Tsoelikana Community lies in the remote, mountainous terrain of Qacha’s Nek district in Lesotho, centered around the rural area of Tsoelike. This community is characterized by its rugged highland landscapes, close‑knit villages, and a way of life deeply rooted in traditional livelihoods and subsistence agriculture. The region also holds tourism potential: its proximity to the scenic Sehlaba‑Thebe National Park gives it a distinctive natural beauty and cultural significance.

The Tsoelikana Community Council is a proud participant in the Gender Links’ Centres of Excellence (COE) for Local Government, having joined the COE process in 2010.  Over the years, the council has made meaningful strides toward gender mainstreaming: nearly half of its 27 councillors are women (48 % as reported in 2017). It has implemented progressive policies such as paid maternity leave, a sexual harassment policy, and flexible working arrangements.   Through these efforts, the council has fostered more inclusive governance, strengthened community engagement around gender equality, and allocated resources specifically for gender‑responsive development initiatives.