By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – It was sunhats, sandals and serious soul work this past Saturday as the EmpowerHer Picnic Affair turned Silovela Green Valley into a sanctuary of sisterhood, self-care and emotional healing.
Hosted by the Eswatini Tinyawo Foundation on May 3rd, the sold-out event delivered more than just picnic vibes, it became a soul-stirring journey into the heart of holistic wellness.
In true EmpowerHer fashion, the day unfolded with grace and grit. Thought-provoking speakers brought their A-game, blending expert advice with real-life resonance. It wasn’t just another pretty picnic, it was a wake-up call wrapped in floral dresses and affirmations.
Siyanda Dlamini from Eswatini Business Health and Wellness urged women to take Emotional Intelligence (EQ) seriously, saying it was the silent engine behind both boardroom wins and household harmony.
I’MShe broke EQ down into four digestible skills: self-management, self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management, giving attendees a toolkit to navigate life’s emotional minefields.
Not to be outdone, Nontobeko Dlamini of NoziManga Inc dove into the less-travelled path of Psycho-financial Wellness. Her message was clear, your bank account and your emotional scars might be closer cousins than you think. She encouraged the audience to audit not just their finances but also the emotional baggage they bring to money matters. “Self-love,” she noted, “includes taking that mental health break and checking your spending triggers.”
The beauty corner belonged to Tenele Simelane of Mimi Organics, who blended skincare wisdom with inner wellness in a way that made the crowd nod in unison. She explained that beauty wasn’t about covering up flaws but caring for the soul underneath. From collagen supplements to calming rituals, her message was simple: glow from within and your skin will follow.
Occupational Health specialist Dumsile Dlamini brought the conversation full circle with a stirring talk on “Letting Go as a Ritual.” She challenged women to release what no longer serves them, be it resentment, fear or self-doubt. She acknowledged that letting go wasn’t easy but emphasized that the emotional freedom on the other side was well worth it.
The highlight of the day? A deeply moving Letting Go Ceremony led by facilitator Dr. Yvonne Dlamini. As women symbolically released their emotional weights, a shared sense of vulnerability filled the valley. It wasn’t just cathartic, it was communal healing in motion.
Thandeka Dlamini of the Eswatini Tinyawo Foundation described the event as a breakthrough moment. “We are absolutely thrilled with the profound impact of the EmpowerHer Picnic Affair,” she said. “Witnessing the powerful connections forged and the palpable sense of healing throughout the day truly affirmed our vision.”
She added that seeing women open up during the Letting Go Ceremony was especially moving. “It underscored our unwavering dedication to empowering the women of Eswatini, and we look forward to building upon this success in future initiatives.”
By sundown, the picnic baskets were empty but hearts were full. With tears shed, hugs exchanged and journals scribbled with new intentions, the EmpowerHer Picnic Affair proved that when women come together with purpose, healing isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.
