BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – The Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) is targeting to raise E1 million through their new campaign, “Phosa Nawe; Be part of the change.
This revelation was made by SWAGAA Executive Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini during a press conference held at Hilton Hotel where the organisation officially unveiled the new campaign as part of their participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which runs from November 25t to December 10.
The campaign is running under the global theme “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,”. Dlamini revealed that SWAGAA was leading a nationwide campaign, called PHOSA NAWE: Be Part of the Change. End GBV, aimed at mobilising support to combat GBV and offer critical services to survivors, caregivers, and frontline responders.
“The Phosa Nawe campaign invites all to contribute in any way possible, from monetary donations to in-kind support such as livestock (cattle, goats, chickens), and professional services. Contributions will help strengthen SWAGAA’s programmes and initiatives, which provide survivors with timely medical treatment, mental health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and a safe house. The funds will also aid GBV prevention, response, and monitoring efforts across Eswatini,” Dlamini said while delivering her speech.
She said the campaign echoed the UN’s global theme for the 16 Days of Activism, “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.” She said the organisation was committed to driving change by closing the funding gaps for essential GBV services and strengthening partnerships with the Government, international development organizations, the private sector, public sector institutions, civil society, and faith-based organizations.
“We are tapping into both national and international solidarity to generate resources for this crucial cause. Let’s unite and work together to end all forms of violence and support those who have survived. Every donation, no matter the size, is valuable,” she added.
As Eswatini grapples with a severe GBV crisis, SWAGAA calls on individuals, organizations, and sectors of society to unite, learn, increase awareness, and contribute towards ending the epidemic of violence.
In her speech, Dlamini also revealed that since the start of 2024, 35 precious lives have been tragically lost to GBV. She added from January to October, a staggering 1 820 cases of face to face GBV were recorded by SWAGAA and a further 2,044 cases were recorded on the SWAGAA toll-free line. She added that most victims and survivors come from low-income communities who are already struggling with the impacts of poverty. She said the situation has been further exacerbated by the aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Through the PHOSA NAWE: Be Part of the Change. End GBV campaign, we are calling on all to take action. Whether through financial donations, in-kind contributions, or professional services, every bit of support makes a difference. Together, we can help prevent further loss of lives and strengthen our services for survivors,” she added.
Dlamini said the official launch of the campaign would take place on December 4 at the George hotel.
Also present at the media briefing was SWAGAA Chairman Rev. Senzo Hlatshayo who appreciated the strong support of the media in its 34 years of operation.
“The reporting is more accurate and sensitive. We urge the government to declare GBV as a national crisis. This is to unlock resources internationally and nationally to fight GBV,” he said.
The Chairperson then urged the nation to join the campaign by contributing with their time, resources or expertise. He added that they usually spend E25 million per year while dealing with GBV cases but mentioned that the demand has always been high as they sometimes spend E40 million.
About SWAGAA
The Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence in Eswatini. SWAGAA provides comprehensive services, including legal assistance, shelter, counseling, and medical support, while also working to prevent violence through public education and advocacy.
