BY TENGETILE MWALI (INTERN)
NHLANGANO– Community stakeholders, government departments and civil society organisations gathered in Nhlangano for a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaign aimed at educating the public on the different forms of abuse and the importance of community support in preventing violence.
The campaign, hosted through a collaboration between Mhluma Foundation, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and Nhlangano Town Council, brought together various organisations working in community development, youth empowerment, crime prevention and social welfare. The event focused on encouraging communities to speak openly about GBV and seek assistance before conflicts escalate into violence.
Residents were educated on the impact of GBV on families, children and society as a whole, with speakers highlighting the need for stronger community involvement in protecting vulnerable groups.
Speaking during the event, Zanele Simelane from the Royal Eswatini Police Service’s Crime Prevention Unit encouraged members of the public to seek advice from the police whenever disputes or misunderstandings arise in homes and relationships.She stressed that early intervention can help prevent situations from turning violent and urged communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies in addressing abuse cases.
The campaign also highlighted the importance of documentation and children’s rights. Nothando Dlamini from the Ministry of Home Affairs under Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Development explained that failing to provide children with birth certificates can also negatively affect their future opportunities.
She noted that without proper documentation, children may face challenges accessing education and other important social services, emphasizing the importance of birth registration in protecting children’s rights.
Mental health and psycho-social support also formed part of the discussions. Selusiwe Motsa from Khetsimphilo under Baphalali Red Cross Society said their programmes focus on supporting youth and vulnerable individuals affected by difficult social conditions.
Motsa added that GBV affects not only individuals directly involved but also families, children, youth and communities at large. She said Khetsimphilo aims to continue working with communities in spreading awareness, encouraging care and strengthening the protection of young people against violence and abuse.
The campaign ended with a call for communities to unite in building safer environments and supporting victims of GBV without discrimination or fear.
#StopGBV #EndGenderBasedViolence #CommunityAgainstGBV#MhlumaFoundation #DPMOffice #NhlanganoTownCouncil #RoyalEswatiniPoliceService #BaphalaliRedCross #Khetsimphilo
