Fifty-eight participants attended the 2025 WIML Congress daylong event on 21st November with the themed “Work-Life Balance’’. Participants included the first female Mosotho dentist, Dr. Audrey Makenete who addressed the opening plenary specific to work-life balance. A panel of WIML veteran doctors recognized for their long-standing and historical contributions as female medical doctors led the plenary’s discussions. Issues discussed revolved on lessons learned and further opportunities including advice for the newer generations of female doctors.
The subsequent four Congress plenary sessions conducted throughout the day focused on Career Development, Financial Literacy and Freedom, Legal Literacy, Mental Health and Wellness. Panelists included lead people representing the Government of Lesotho Human Resources Technical Specialists, Banking and Insurance sectors, Lawyers and Clinical Psychologists. During the course of the day, Congress attendees interacted with Stall Exhibitors that displayed various medical, rehabilitation, beauty, therapy, travel, financial and insurance products and services. Later in the day, WIML President Dr. Lineo Letlala hosted a dinner event attended by the Congress speakers and panelists.
Approximately 135 people gathered to attend the WIML Gala evening event on 22nd November 2025. Attendees included affiliated health professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technologists and clinical psychologists. Among the Gala attendees were representatives from local and international health partner associations present in Lesotho. Basotho female medical doctors and dentists working abroad in the United Kingdom and South Africa also graced the occasion with their presence. MWIA NEAR Regional Vice President Dr. Joyce Sakala gave the opening speech via video and commended WIML for highlighting the importance of work-life balance. Additionally, the speech acknowledged WIML as a recipient of the MWIA NEAR most vibrant new member association award presented at the 2024 Congress in Zambia. Prominent Mosotho gynaecologist Professor Lineo Matsela who is the President of the South Africa Menopause Society provided the keynote address. The address included updates on the recent advances in the medical management of menopause.
A new addition to the WIML Gala event is the award event. Sixteen individuals received medals and trophies in recognition of their accomplishments in Academia, Continuous Professional Development, Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership including Private Health Practitioner Service Provision. WIML Patron Dr. Nonkosi Tlale received an award to honour her leadership and initiatives for establishing the association.
Fig 1. WIML president Dr. Letlala at the Gala dinner, showing the award WIML received at the 2024 MWIA-NEAR Congress in Zambia for “Most Vibrant New Member”.