BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- March has once again arrived as a powerful reminder that women are central to social progress, community resilience and national development.
As the world marks Women’s History Month alongside International Women’s Day on March 8, the focus this year goes beyond celebration to action, accountability and lasting change for women and girls in all their diversity.
Speaking during an interview with Eswatini Positive News on March 2,2026 in the spirit of the global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” Executive Director of the Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), Nonhlanhla Dlamini, reaffirmed that Women’s Month is a time for reflection and renewed commitment to equality.
She emphasised that advancing women’s rights requires strong laws, responsive police services and accessible health and psychosocial support, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence.
Dlamini, a respected human rights defender, said Women’s Month should inspire society to amplify women’s voices, strengthen solidarity and translate commitments into measurable progress. She added that details regarding the venue and programme for this year’s national commemoration of International Women’s Day would be communicated in due course.
International Women’s Day has become a significant fixture on Eswatini’s national calendar. Last year, the main commemoration was held at Hlane Royal Residence, coinciding with the second leg of the Buganu (Marula) Festival.
The event highlighted the intersection between women’s rights and cultural heritage, with the Lutsango regiment celebrating both the international observance and the harvest season. The occasion was officiated by Acting Deputy Prime Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, who underscored the importance of empowering women while preserving cultural values.
However Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training Naniki Mnisi cautioned organisations advocating for the protection of the girl child to apply the same level of care and guidance to the boy child.
She noted that balanced love, attention and counselling for both genders at school, at home and in the workplace would help ensure that no child feels neglected or left behind.
Beyond national commemorations, partners have continued to play a role in advancing gender equality. SWAGAA earlier hosted the Hope Rising Summit, while the European Union in Eswatini marked International Women’s Day by highlighting women’s leadership in environmental protection and the green transition.
As Women’s Month unfolds, stakeholders agree that true transformation demands consistency, courage and collective action. While March shines a spotlight on women’s achievements and challenges, the message remains clear: the pursuit of rights, justice and equality for women and girls must continue every day of the year.
#InternationalWomensMonth#RightsJusticeAction#ForAllWomenAndGirls
(Courtesy Pic)
