By Ncaba Ntshakala
Thousands gathered at the Mavuso Trade Centre on Saturday for the Eswatini Rising Festival 2024, a powerful day of action and awareness organized by One Billion Rising Eswatini and partnering organizations.
The festival served as a resounding call to action, urging everyone to stand up and fight against the life-threatening issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in Eswatini.
Throughout the day, a vibrant energy pulsed through the venue. Participants were treated to a showcase of artistic expressions, including music, dance, and visual arts, all reflecting the theme of “RISE! Be the New World – End Violence Against ALL Women.”
This artistic expression served not only as entertainment but also as a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking dialogue about GBV.
Beyond artistic performances, the festival offered opportunities for engagement and action. Participants networked with partner organizations, visited stalls offering information and resources, and engaged in interactive discussions around GBV.
This open exchange of ideas and experiences created a sense of solidarity and empowered individuals to contribute to the fight against GBV.
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The festival received high-level recognition, with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) represented by Nomzamo Dlamini. On behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Dlamini expressed their joy at seeing organizations united against GBV.
They emphasized that “it is everyone’s responsibility to intensify the fight against GBV,” acknowledging that the government cannot succeed alone in tackling this complex issue.
One Billion Rising Regional Coordinator Colani Hlatshwako echoed this sentiment, stating that “the soaring cases of GBV require us all to stand up and fight.”
Hlatshwako emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling GBV “a disaster” that demands immediate and intensified action on a national level.
Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Director of the Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse (ESWAGAA), presented a stark reality, highlighting the ongoing rise in GBV cases, particularly concerning child abuse and incest.
The Kingdom of Eswatini has been grappling with the soaring GBV cases. Recently, media reports highlighted an alarming number of over 21,000 GBV cases reported in a span of three years (2020 to 2023). ESWAGAA in January expressed that they had recorded 217 cases for that month alone.
His Majesty King Mswati III when officially opening the first session of the 12th Parliament, reiterated his strong stance against gender-based violence (GBV), urging all emaSwati to join hands in eliminating this “dark shadow” from their society.
“At the end-of-year National Prayer Service, I called on all emaSwati to join hands in putting an end to GBV,” the King declared.
“We note the signs of decline in this practice, and I urge everyone to continue along this path until there is not a single case.”
This passionate plea builds upon previous pronouncements by the King, highlighting his continuous commitment to tackling this critical issue.
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While acknowledging the progress made, he emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cultural change.
“Beyond the resources allocated by the government and the support of our partners,” the King stated. “Ending GBV requires a change of attitude by everyone. We must foster cultural change and promote equality for all.”
The King’s speech also commended the government’s dedication to the fight against GBV, specifically allocating resources for the implementation of the National Strategy on Ending Gender-Based Violence. Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards Eswatini’s partners for their support in this crucial endeavour.
One Billion Rising is a global campaign, founded by Eve Ensler, to end rape and sexual violence against women. It was started in 2012 as part of the V-Day movement.
The “billion” refers to the UN statistic that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime, or about one billion.
