EU in Eswatini joins campaign against GBV

The event also saw the official launch of the ‘Hlonipheka – Thriving for Dignity Programme’ co-funded by the European Union and implemented by UNFPA. This programme addresses the needs of vulnerable groups such as GBV survivors and Persons With Disability.

Held under the theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, the launch of the 16 Days campaign called for a united and collective action to address digital violence such as online harassment, cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying, gendered disinformation and other forms of digital abuse targeting women and girls.

EU in Eswatini

Also speaking on this occasion, EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, said the EU strongly condemned all forms of violence against women and girls, including harmful practices, as a blatant violation of human rights.

“GBV is a global scourge. It does not occure in a vacuum but rather in a society that condones and encourages it. No country in the world is free from GBV but some countries are well ahead of others in promoting gender equality and awareness raising, resulting in less GBV cases being reported. Only through the promotion of a transformative approach and the mainstreaming of a gender perspective in all out policies and actions can we be able to minimise or eliminate the impact of GBV,” said Ambassador Mecklenburg.

He reiterated that collective effort against GBV in all its forms was key to break the vicious cycle that perpetuates violence through policies and laws as well as impactful action.

On digital violence, Ambassador Mecklenburg said education and awareness were vital components of prevention. He said women, girls as well as boys and men all needed to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their online presence and the potential negative impacts of digital violence.

“Through campaigns and social media initiatives can we raise awareness, advocate for stronger protection and inspire meaningful change. We have to continuously educate the public on how to use new technologies in a sound way,” he said.

Also present during this event was Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who represented the Deputy Prime Minister.

The EU Delegation to Eswatini has also joined the country and the rest of world in saying NO to gender-based violence.