BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the Umhluma Women & Youth Foundation, will roll out a nationwide Town to Town Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Campaign across Eswatini from May 21 to July 31, aimed at raising awareness and strengthening prevention through community engagement, sport and dialogue.
The campaign will move across several towns, beginning in Nhlangano on May 21, followed by Mankayane on May 28 and Piggs Peak on May 29, before proceeding to Siteki, Manzini and other centres. It aims to promote positive masculinity, encourage community participation and address social challenges linked to GBV, including rape, depression, suicide and anxiety, using structured awareness and prevention programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Thembimezi Ntshalintshali encouraged stakeholders to work together in tackling GBV, drawing parallels with the country’s unified response to HIV/AIDS.
“We need to demonstrate the same unity and commitment if we are to effectively combat Gender-Based Violence,” Ntshalintshali said, emphasising the need for collaboration among government, civil society and communities.
Organisers say the campaign’s design focuses on taking services and conversations directly to the people, particularly in underserved areas where access to information and support systems may be limited. By incorporating sport and dialogue sessions, the initiative seeks to engage young people while creating safe platforms for discussion and reflection.
The programme will continue through June with stops in Buhleni, Vuvulane and Lavumisa, before moving to Hlathikhulu, Hlane and Malkerns in July, and concluding in Ezulwini on July 31.
Stakeholders say the campaign is not only about raising awareness but also about encouraging behavioural change and early intervention to reduce incidents of violence. Communities are being urged to take collective responsibility in addressing GBV and fostering safer environments.
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(Courtesy Pic)
