Following the pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of false job promises in Lesotho.
Abusers often promise jobs to young women who need work only to find that those jobs do not exist. This was a common tactic in South Africa, where Basotho women would be promised work only to be exploited on arrival. Unfortunately, this practice has grown rapidly in Lesotho in the past two years.
BDS has taken in many young girls who fell victim to predators due to false job promises. More often than not, those young girls were orphans trying to find work to support themselves and their families.
Perpetrators use word of mouth and social media for advertising fake job opportunities to lure young women into exploitation. Predators will make travel arrangements with them and promise a new life. They take advantage of young women needing work, and we must educate and warn people about this issue.
One former survivor was promised a job, but instead, she was repeatedly threatened with weapons and raped whenever she did not comply. It was a traumatic event that nobody should have to endure. She was fortunate to escape, running to a neighbor who helped her report to the police. Fortunately, her abuser was arrested and is awaiting his trial in police custody.
After being referred to the BDS shelter, she was offered psychosocial support, shelter, training, and more. She has also been reunited with her family and will continue her healing journey with the support of BDS.
Beautiful Dream Society is currently working on the Children’s Village Project to build permanent homes for orphans and victims of human trafficking. Want to help? Visit our website here!
