THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO COMBINED SECOND TO EIGHTH PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA rites. The Act gives married women equal status with their husbands in the family and in making decisions about acquisition and disposal of assets of their joint estate, raising children, choice of domicile and other matters incidental to a marital relationship. 303. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 was enacted to repeal of the common law crime of rape, which was very restrictive as to what acts constitute rape. The Sexual Offences Act is comprehensive with regard to acts which constitute sexual offences inclusive of marital rape. It also provides for compulsory HIV testing of perpetrators of sexual violence and imposes heavier penalties on perpetrators who commit sexual violence knowing their HIV/AIDS positive status. 304. Land Act of 2010 was enacted to allow women access to land as well as the right to register their rights to such land in their own names. 305. Deeds Registry Act of 1967. Parts of the Act dealing with marital power were repealed to allow women to register movable and immovable property in their own names. 306. Companies Act of 2011 was enacted to allow women to register companies and to be Directors to such companies without requiring their husbands’ consent. It also provides women opportunities for collateral to obtain credit from financial institutions. 307. Education Act of 2010 provides for free and compulsory education for both boys and girls. It also prohibits expulsion of female students who fall pregnant and mandates schools take them back after delivery. 308. Anti-trafficking in persons Act of 2011 criminalises all forms of trafficking and sexual exploitation. It provides for heavy penalties against perpetrators and also provides for protection and support of victims of trafficking who are usually women and children. 309. Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011 gives women equal custody of children and also provides for the children’s right to be supported by both parents thus easing the 111