Lesotho: Breaking Barriers_Matseliso Chaole’s Journey to Empowerment and Leadership

 “How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank

For Matseliso Chaole, these words are more than a quote. They are a lived reality. As a Project Manager at Mos-Sun Clean Energy Technologies in Maseru, Lesotho, Matseliso has carved a path in a male-dominated industry, defying expectations and embracing leadership with courage and conviction. Her journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and transformation. It began with a simple desire: to tell her story in a space where she felt safe, respected, and free from judgement. “A story for me is not that of who I want to be, but who I am,” Matseliso reflects. This profound statement captures the essence of her experience. A journey of self-discovery and affirmation.

Finding Her Voice

When Matseliso joined the Bellona Women’s Network, she found more than a programme; she found a community. “Bellona is a dream come true for me,” she says. “Belonging to this network of wonderful women has strengthened my confidence and passion to share my story.”

Working in a male-dominated environment was never part of her original career plan. The transition was challenging, often leaving her feeling unheard and undervalued. “I felt like my voice was drowning,” she admits. But Bellona changed that. Through mentorship and evidence-based leadership training, Matseliso regained her voice and discovered what it means to lead with purpose.

Leadership Through a Gender Lens

Bellona’s approach to leadership is revolutionary. It is not about competing with men; it is about uplifting women and recognising their contributions in business and governance. “Women’s leadership is not about bridging men down,” Matseliso explains. “It is about rising women up and realising the extraordinary value they bring.” Through the programme, she learned from inspiring role models like Tinyiko Ngwenya, gaining insights into effective leadership and inclusive decision-making. These lessons have equipped her with skills that transcend the workplace, fostering confidence and resilience in every sphere of her life.

Empowerment in Action

The impact of Bellona’s mentorship is evident in Matseliso’s professional growth. “My abilities and skills in my work environment have improved significantly,” she says. The network’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion has empowered her to express herself confidently and advocate for change. One of the programme’s highlights is its commitment to creating safe spaces for women to share challenges and solutions. Through one-to-one coaching, Matseliso explored biases and developed strategies to overcome them. “Bellona is a safe space for all women who aspire to evolve, grow, and make an impact,” she affirms.

Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers

Mentorship and networking are at the heart of Bellona’s mission. For Matseliso, these opportunities have been transformative. She now collaborates with women from diverse backgrounds, exchanging ideas and forging connections that strengthen her resolve to drive change. Her story is a testament to the power of collective action. When women support each other, they create ripples of transformation that extend beyond individual lives to entire communities. Matseliso embodies this truth, rising with other women and girls to challenge norms and build a future where gender equality is not an aspiration but a reality.

Why This Matters

Matseliso’s journey high-lights critical themes in the fight for gender equality: empowerment, leadership, and inclusion. It underscores the importance of mentorship programmes like Bellona, which provide women with the tools and confidence to thrive in spaces where they have historically been excluded.

Her story is not just personal, it is political. It speaks to the broader struggle for gender justice in Lesotho and across the SADC region. By amplifying voices like Matseliso’s, we move closer to a world where every woman can rise, lead, and inspire.

By: Matseliso Chaole