EU helping to address mental health, gender inequality issues in Eswatini

The project, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society and the Finnish Red Cross, is worth EUR 4.2 million (approx. SZL 84 million) and will be implemented for the next three years in all four regions of the country, covering 20 constituency centres.

Launched on 26 November 2025 in Mbabane, the project’s main objectives are to empower these disadvantaged youth and women to improve their economic and social inclusion; strengthen community-level mental health services and psychosocial support; promote gender equality through reduced school dropouts, support youth reintegration, GBV prevention and response, sexual and reproductive health and rights awareness. In addition, the project will support the inclusion of marginalised groups such as persons with disability as well as foster community ownership and resilience through inclusive, locally grounded approaches.

EU in Eswatini

Speaking during this launch, EU Head of Cooperation, Eva-Maria Engdahl, said this project was part of the EU’s current partnership with Eswatini covering the period: 2021 – 2027, which focuses on human development and social inclusion.

She said the project will be implemented under the empowerment of disadvantaged youth and women in vulnerable situations, one of the two components of the partnership.

Many attendees during the launch, including the office of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), welcomed and appreciated the project, saying it has come at the right time when many Emaswati, particularly the youth, were facing a lot of mental issues. Statistics suggests that at least 400 000 young people in Eswatini are not involved in any form of economic activity, hence they may be facing mental health challenges.