BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
EZULWINI – Behind every statistic of gender based violence is a woman, a girl and a family carrying pain Eswatini’s latest commitment seeks to transform those stories into a future built on safety, dignity and protection.
The Kingdom’s journey towards adopting the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is being viewed as a renewed national pledge to ensure that no woman or girl faces violence in silence.
At a high level sensitisation workshop held in Mbabane, leaders reflected on the human faces behind gender based violence cases and emphasised that ending violence requires more than laws it requires communities, institutions and individuals working together.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu said the country must continue creating an environment where women and girls are empowered to dream, lead and participate fully in shaping the nation’s future.
She said women have already demonstrated their value in areas such as diplomacy, peacebuilding, economic development and leadership, adding that their protection is essential for national progress
Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla described the Convention as an important tool that will complement Eswatini’s existing laws, policies and programmes designed to address gender based violence.
She said the fight against violence requires a whole-of-society approach involving families, communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, young people, civil society and the private sector.
“Ending violence against women and girls is not only a human rights responsibility, but also a foundation for sustainable development, social cohesion and economic prosperity,” Dladla said.
The Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted that Eswatini has made progress through the establishment of a GBV coordination mechanism, the national strategy on ending violence and stronger partnerships aimed at supporting survivors.
For many women and girls affected by violence, the Convention represents the possibility of stronger systems where survivors are heard, supported and protected.
The engagement also placed emphasis on women and girls with disabilities, recognising the need for inclusive approaches that leave no one behind.
As Eswatini considers ratification, leaders believe the Convention can become a powerful instrument in shaping a safer nation where every woman and girl has the freedom to live without fear and pursue her dreams.
#EndGBVEswatini #EveryGirlEveryWoman #DignityAndSafety #BuildingABetterEswatini
