Mohale FM As part of ongoing efforts to conserve biodiversity and promote equitable benefit-sharing, experts are emphasizing the crucial role women play in the traditional and scientific development of natural resources in Lesotho. Despite their significant contributions in fields such as labor, traditional knowledge, and resource management, women often lack decision-making power within the value chain of bioprospecting and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Women in Lesotho are central to the collection and transmission of traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants and other natural resources. Their expertise is fundamental in identifying valuable species such as Palargoneum and Hypoxys, which possess medicinal properties recognized both locally and internationally. However, their involvement is often limited to labor-intensive tasks, with men predominantly holding decision-making authority over the commercialization and access to these resources.
Consultant of the project, Ali Benryane said it’s vital that women’s contributions are recognized not only on the field but also in decision-making processes.
