Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has warned that legislation and government policies alone will not end gender-based violence (GBV),
calling for every sector of society to play an active role in creating safer communities and protecting vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the National Gender-Based Violence Symposium held under the theme “Building Safe Communities: A Collective Response to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Eswatini,” 
Dladla said while the country had made significant progress in strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to combat GBV, sustainable change would only be achieved through collective action.
“Laws alone cannot end Gender-Based Violence. Policies alone cannot transform attitudes. Sustainable change requires every sector of society to play its part,” she said.
Dladla described GBV as one of the gravest threats to human dignity, social justice and sustainable development, saying it continued to inflict devastating consequences on individuals, families and communities.
She noted that women and girls remained disproportionately affected by violence,
often facing physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse that limited opportunities and undermined their wellbeing and participation in society.
The DPM also highlighted the impact of violence on children, particularly those who witness abuse in their homes.
“Children who witness violence in their homes often suffer lifelong psychological and emotional consequences.
Many grow up carrying trauma that affects their education, relationships and future wellbeing,” she said.
Dladla acknowledged the progress Eswatini has made in addressing GBV under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III and the Government through strengthened legislation, survivor-centred services and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.
She cited the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018 as a landmark achievement in protecting women, children and persons with disabilities.
She also pointed to the establishment of One-Stop Centres, safe spaces, Domestic and Child Protection Units in police stations and child-friendly courts as important interventions that have improved access to support services for survivors.
According to Dladla, partnerships between government ministries, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based institutions, the media and development partners have also contributed to raising awareness and improving access to justice.
She said encouraging signs were emerging as more survivors came forward to seek help, communities became more aware of their responsibilities and increasing numbers of men and boys joined efforts to challenge harmful social norms and promote positive masculinity.
However, she stressed that the persistence of violence in some communities demonstrated that much work remained to be done.
The Deputy Prime Minister called on government institutions to continue investing in prevention, protection and survivor support programmes.
She urged traditional and community leaders to challenge harmful practices and foster cultures of respect and non-violence,
while encouraging parents and families to ensure that homes remained safe spaces for all family members.
She further appealed to faith leaders, young people and development partners to strengthen their commitment to ending violence and building safer communities.
“Ending Gender-Based Violence is not the responsibility of one institution or one sector; it is the responsibility of all of us,” she said.
Dladla concluded by urging stakeholders to leave the symposium with renewed determination to create communities where women and girls live free from fear,
children grow up in safe and nurturing environments, and families thrive in dignity and peace.
