BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – A renewed national commitment to protecting women and girls is gaining momentum as Eswatini intensifies efforts to align its laws with a landmark African Union convention aimed at ending gender based violence and building safer communities for future generations.
Government, development partners and civil society have joined forces in a high level mission to advance Eswatini’s ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG), a landmark legal instrument designed to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability in addressing gender based violence across the continent.
The initiative, led by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office through the Department of Gender and Family Issues in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has brought together key multi sectoral stakeholders for a capacity building workshop that resumes this week and is expected to conclude on Thursday.
The engagement comes at a time when Eswatini continues to strengthen its national response to gender based violence through coordinated legal, institutional and community based interventions. Participants are reviewing the country’s legislative and policy framework to ensure it aligns with the objectives of the AU convention while reinforcing existing protections for women, girls and vulnerable groups.
Among the key pieces of legislation under review are the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, the Child Protection and Welfare Act, the Cyber Security and Crimes Act and the National Strategy on Ending Violence. Stakeholders are also assessing how these instruments complement international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
According to national data presented during the workshop, gender based violence remains a significant challenge, with thousands of cases reported annually. Most incidents occur within domestic settings involving intimate partners, while cases of rape and femicide continue to demand urgent attention. Statistics further indicate that one in four females and one in three males aged between 13 and 24 have experienced some form of violence during their lifetime.
Despite these challenges, stakeholders believe the country’s growing investment in prevention and survivor support is laying a stronger foundation for lasting change. Discussions are focusing on improving multi-sectoral response mechanisms, strengthening institutional coordination and expanding access to critical services such as one stop centres, child friendly courts, specialised shelters and toll-free helplines.
The proposed ratification of the AU Convention is expected to further enhance Eswatini’s ability to prevent violence, protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable while promoting gender equality and respect for human rights.
For survivors and communities alike, the initiative represents more than a legal exercise—it is a declaration that violence has no place in society. By strengthening laws, empowering institutions and fostering collaboration across sectors, Eswatini is taking meaningful steps towards creating safer homes, safer communities and a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear.
#EndGBV #GenderEquality #ProtectWomenAndGirls #Eswatini
