Mannete Ramaili is a diplomat and politician from the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Mannete Ramaili
Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment
In office
2010–2012
Appointed byPakalitha Mosisili
Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland and the Nordic States
In office
2009–2005
Personal details
Born1960
Butha-Buthe

Early life edit

Ramaili was born in Lesotho and has been outspoken about women's rights since 1987.[1] Earlier in her career she was involved with the International Planned Parenthood Federation.[2]

Political career edit

In 2005 Ramaili was appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Republic of Ireland.[3] Ramaili was Lesotho's ambassador until 2009.[4] During her time in Ireland she helped to establish the Irish NGO 'Action Lesotho' which works in Maputsoe.[5] During her time she visited areas across Ireland with His Excellency Mr Paddy Fay to raise awareness on issues that affect the people of Lesotho.[6] Issues such as HIV and female genital mutilation.[7]

In 2010, Ramaili was appointed Minister for Tourism, Culture and Environment, following the dismissal from government of Lebohang Ntsinyi by Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili.[8] As of April 2011, Ramaili was one of seven women ministers in the Cabinet, alongside: Mamphono Khaketla, Maphoka Motoboli, Mathabiso Lepono, Mphu Keneileo Ramatlapeng, Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa and Pontso Suzan Matumelo Sekatle.[9] She has led measures to cut alcohol consumption in Lesotho.[10]

 
Mannete Ramaili, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture of the Kingdom of Lesotho (6960295608)

In partnership with the Chinese government, Ramaili was instrumental is setting up a ceramics training scheme in Lesotho in 2012.[11] The same year she spoke out in Lesotho in support of fairer and more transparent election coverage in the media.[12]

In 2012 she spoke at an event - 'Women in Development' - organised by the United Nations.[13] Here, Ramaili spoke about the need for greater legislation against domestic violence, but also pointed out the Lesotho was ranked ninth out 135 countries on the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index - ahead of the UK, USA and France.[13]

Ramaili is one of Lesotho's leading female entrepreneurs and is vocal about the importance of female economic empowerment for Lestho.[14] She is a board member of Standard Lesotho Bank.[15]

Awards edit

Africa Day Award (Ireland)[16]

References edit

  1. ^ Work for Justice. Transformation Resource Centre. 1987.
  2. ^ People. International Planned Parenthood Federation. 1987.
  3. ^ "MONO – DIPLOMATS | RTÉ Presspack". presspack.rte.ie. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  4. ^ Geraghty, Sarah. "Our Wedding Story: from Galway and Lesotho to a teepee in Laois". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  5. ^ "From one kingdom to another". www.irishexaminer.com. 2013-05-23. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  6. ^ Oireachtais, Tithe an (2010-06-17). "JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sub-Committee on Overseas Development) díospóireacht - Déardaoin, 17 Meith 2010". www.oireachtas.ie (in Irish). Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  7. ^ "Seminar: International Day Zero Tolerance to FGM – 4th February : Cairde – Challenging ethnic minority health inequalities". Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  8. ^ "Ministers fired". Lesotho Times. 2010-10-15. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  9. ^ Political handbook of the world 2012. Lansford, Tom. Los Angeles: Sage. 2012. pp. 832. ISBN 978-1-4522-3434-2. OCLC 794595888.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  10. ^ "Tough times ahead for beer drinkers". Sunday Express. 2011-03-26. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  11. ^ "Remarks by H.E. Ambassador HU Dingxian at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Pottery Training Workshop".
  12. ^ "Transforming Broadcasting". www.transformingbroadcasting.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  13. ^ a b "UNCTAD XIII Must Be New Pillar of Change, Qatar Museums Authority Chairperson Says, Hailing Women as 'Cornerstone' in Quest for Equitable Development, Human Dignity | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases". www.un.org. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  14. ^ "Recognizing Female Entrepreneurs in Lesotho | Standard Lesotho Bank". www.standardlesothobank.co.ls. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  15. ^ "When the lionesses of Africa roar! | The Post". Retrieved 2020-02-14.
  16. ^ "Metro Eireann". oldweb.metroeireann.com. Retrieved 2020-02-14.