BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI– Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Eswatini can be significantly reduced if men and women learn to humble themselves, respect one another, and resolve conflicts peacefully, says Senator Dr Stukie Motsa.
Speaking on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Happy Valley Hotel during a women’s dialogue meeting held under the theme “She matters too because she can do more”, the Senator said GBV is not only a women’s issue but a societal challenge that also affects men.
She stressed that while much focus is placed on women as victims, men are also silently affected by GBV but often do not speak out due to stigma and fear.
According to available GBV statistics in Eswatini, nearly half of women (48%) are expected to experience sexual violence in their lifetime, while 1 in 2 women report having been abused by a current or former partner.
The data further shows that about 70% of reported GBV cases occur in domestic settings, with females making up around 72% of survivors. Children and adolescents under 18 account for about 28% of reported cases, highlighting the scale of the crisis affecting families and young people
“Even males are victims of GBV, but many remain silent,” she said, adding that open dialogue is needed to break the culture of silence.
Senator Motsa further urged couples to exercise restraint during heated arguments, saying choosing silence at critical moments could prevent violence from escalating.
“When you find yourself in a heated argument, sometimes it is better to keep quiet than to continue, because the situation may turn violent,” she said.
She also cautioned against misuse of protection systems, saying both men and women must respect the law and avoid abusing one another while trusting the justice system to handle complaints fairly.
Other speakers echoed similar sentiments. Lilly Steward said although women remain central in empowerment efforts, men should not be forgotten in discussions on dignity and equality.
Meanwhile, Tengetile Ginindza of Ox Purple said their mission is to reach women across the country to inspire and equip them with life skills and confidence.
GBV remains a major concern in Eswatini, with high levels of domestic abuse and underreporting driven by fear and cultural silence, despite ongoing national interventions and legal reforms.
The dialogue concluded with calls for stronger community engagement, early reporting, and mutual respect within households as key tools to reduce violence in the country.
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(Courtesy Pic)
