The government of Eswatini needs to urgently address violence against women in the country, as the menace remains a pressing and deeply rooted issue.
Development Diaries reports that approximately one in three females has experienced some form of sexual abuse by age 18, and 48 percent of women have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, according to figures from the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA).
One of the setbacks identified by Human Rights Watch (HRW) is the lack of resources to effectively implement the 2023–2027 National Strategy to End Violence in Eswatini.
It is understood that the 2018 Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act lacks a funding mechanism, and the government has not ensured coordination amongst departments responding to violence against women and girls, to expedite trials involving sexual assault, or to offer victims and survivors adequate support and shelter.
As highlighted by the rights organisation, the year 2023 ended with a spate of killings of women and very little to show by way of concrete government action, despite the rise in the frequency and brutal nature of violence against women.
The consequences of such violence extend beyond the immediate physical harm, affecting the mental health, economic well-being, and overall quality of life of survivors.
The legal framework in Eswatini has undergone some positive changes to address gender-based violence, including the enactment of laws and policies aimed at protecting women’s rights.
However, the enforcement of these measures faces significant challenges, including resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and a need for increased awareness and education.
The former 2017–2022 National Strategy and Action Plan to End Violence in Eswatini called for the establishment of a multi-sectoral strategy to address violence in the nation, including violence against women and girls. However, the plan was never completely executed and was not funded by the government.
Addressing violence against women in Eswatini requires a sustained and collaborative effort to challenge deep-seated cultural norms, enhance legal frameworks, and provide support structures for survivors.
To ensure the safety of women and girls in Eswatini, Development Diaries calls on the country’s parliament to give the matter top priority in both words and deeds by ensuring that sufficient resources are available to implement laws and policies that seek to guarantee the safety of women and girls in the country.
Photo source: UNFPA
