BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SITEKI— Women and young people have been recognised as critical drivers of Eswatini’s sustainable economic growth, with entrepreneurs, creatives and community members gathering at Sunrise Civic Centre (Mawala Hall) in Siteki for International Youth and Women’s Day 2026 on August 27.
Held under the theme, “Empowering Women and Youth for Sustainable Economic Growth,” the commemoration celebrated the contribution of women and young people while creating a platform for entrepreneurship, skills development, economic participation and sustainable livelihoods.
The event formed part of the continued reflection on 50 years of partnership between the European Union (EU) and Eswatini, providing an opportunity to celebrate progress and reaffirm the importance of creating inclusive economic opportunities for women and youth.
Women- and youth-led businesses were given an opportunity to showcase their products, engage with fellow entrepreneurs and explore opportunities that could support business growth.
The exhibition also created space for entrepreneurs to promote their products, strengthen networks, exchange ideas and explore ways of developing sustainable enterprises capable of supporting livelihoods.
Joining the commemoration, EU Deputy Ambassador José Becerra, representing the EU Ambassador, emphasised the importance of continued investment in women and young people as part of efforts to advance inclusive and sustainable development.
Becerra reaffirmed the EU’s support for Government initiatives that advance women’s rights and create opportunities for young people to develop skills, pursue livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“This commitment is reflected through EU-supported initiatives implemented by partners such as COSPE, which are helping women strengthen their economic participation while creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, pursue livelihoods and contribute to their communities,” Becerra said.
The EU-supported initiatives highlight the importance of partnerships in expanding economic participation and creating opportunities for communities to build stronger and more sustainable livelihoods.
The Siteki gathering further underscored the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway for women and young people to turn their skills, creativity and ideas into economic opportunities.
By providing platforms for women- and youth-led enterprises to showcase their work, the event helped amplify local businesses while encouraging entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences and identify opportunities for growth.
The commemoration also reinforced the need for continued collaboration between Government, development partners, civil society and communities to create an enabling environment where women and young people can participate meaningfully in economic development.
As the EU continues engaging with communities across Eswatini, events such as International Youth and Women’s Day provide an opportunity to celebrate progress, amplify local voices and reaffirm a shared commitment to creating opportunities for women and youth.
The Siteki gathering ultimately highlighted the economic potential of women and young people and the importance of investing in their skills, enterprises and ideas.
With the right support and opportunities, women and youth can transform entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation into sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the broader economic growth and development of Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
