Lebohang Matsepe - Likila Council COE

I am Councillor Lebohang Matsepe; I have a wonderful memory of Gender Links, because I was able to learn in depth about gender issues, and that made me realize the importance of every creator in this world. I am saying this because I learned about a lot of issues. Some I did not understand before, and it was an eye opener.I am a Mosotho man, and I have been with my family my whole life, but I knew for sure that I was not supposed to do some of the chores in the household. They were regarded as women's work, and even if I wanted to help my wife I would not. I am a farmer, and I spend most of the time in the gardens. I help orphans with the food I harvest, and I sew clothes for them. I like to help my community in any way that I can, and most people do not understand how I do it. Whenever I do something for my family I always remember that there is somebody out there who really needs my help.In 2011 I contested for the local government elections, because my community encouraged me to do so. I did not want to, because people believe politicians are the worst liars, so I did not want to be associated with them. I did not want to change; I wanted to stay true me. They begged me, saying that there was nobody to fill that place, and I agreed. Fortunately, I won the elections. Though I was doing so many things, especially jobs that were regarded as women's jobs like sewing, I did not know I was way ahead on gender issues. I was just doing them because I thought there was a need and both men and women can do them.Early January came, and Gender Links came to work with our council. They were going to do a project called Centres of Excellence, and Likila was the council chosen in Botha-Buthe district. Basically, the project was just to help councils plan their activities, budgeting, and bearing in mind gender issues. After the trainings I was able to put every thing into perspective. For me it was not difficult, because I was already doing things about these issues. I held public gatherings talking about gender, and most people did not have any problem with it. Men were difficult, but I tried to talk sense to them, showing how women and men should be equally.I was able to encourage men to support their partners, and make decisions together. Gender Links has played a major role in my life, because I gained confidence and continue to do what I was doing. Most men in the village were saying I was a woman, because I was doing what they referred to as women's chores. I encouraged more men to also join the support groups and support our women councillor. We even elected a chairperson and deputy again, and they are women.