Introduction
The latest Afrobarometer study has brought to light a pressing reality in Eswatini: the protection of women and girls against harassment and violence remains insufficient. This revelation has sparked renewed debate about gender equality, public safety, and the urgent need for stronger government policies. At the heart of the findings lies a clear message — citizens believe that more should be done, not just in words but through concrete action. The report reflects the voices of ordinary people who feel that their mothers, sisters, and daughters deserve a safer environment.
Eswatini women safety: a challenge beyond statistics
When discussing women’s rights and protection in Eswatini, it is essential to move beyond numbers and percentages. Behind every statistic is a lived experience: a young girl harassed while walking to school, a mother facing violence at home, or a woman enduring intimidation in her workplace. Afrobarometer’s survey highlights that such experiences are not isolated events but reflect a pattern across the country. This trend is deeply concerning because it threatens not only women’s well-being but also the broader development and stability of Eswatini as a nation.
The study underlines that safety is more than just the absence of violence; it is about freedom — the freedom to walk freely in public, to speak without fear, and to participate fully in society. If women are excluded or silenced by fear, the nation loses half of its potential. In this sense, gender-based violence is not just a personal tragedy; it is a structural obstacle to national progress.
Eswatini women safety: Community perspectives on harassment and violence
One of the most significant findings of the Afrobarometer study is the strong demand from Emaswati citizens for government intervention. Respondents across different regions, age groups, and social backgrounds consistently expressed concern about the safety of women and girls. They emphasized that the current measures are either too weak or poorly implemented, leaving vulnerable groups exposed to harassment and violence.
Communities in Eswatini recognize that change requires more than legislation; it also involves shifting mindsets. Deeply rooted cultural practices and stereotypes often normalize harassment or minimize its impact. This creates an environment where victims remain silent and perpetrators act with impunity. The call from citizens is therefore twofold: stricter enforcement of laws and stronger public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful norms.
Eswatini women safety: Policy gaps and government responsibility
The Afrobarometer report also points to the gaps in public policy. While Eswatini has adopted several frameworks aligned with regional and international commitments, their translation into practice has been slow. Limited resources, lack of training among law enforcement officers, and insufficient support systems for survivors make it difficult to achieve meaningful change. This has raised questions about political will and whether gender equality is truly being prioritized in the national agenda.
Experts argue that Eswatini’s leadership must treat women’s safety as a cornerstone of its development policy. By failing to address harassment and violence, the state risks undermining its own strategic positioning within Africa’s policy landscape. Afrobarometer thus challenges the government to bridge the gap between promises and tangible results.
Eswatini women safety: The role of civil society in advancing women’s safety
Civil society organizations in Eswatini have become crucial players in the fight against harassment and violence. Women’s rights groups, youth associations, and advocacy networks have been raising awareness, offering counseling, and pushing for reforms. These organizations often act as the bridge between vulnerable communities and state institutions, ensuring that the voices of survivors are not lost in bureaucratic silence.
Afrobarometer’s findings strengthen their cause, providing evidence that public opinion is aligned with the advocacy efforts of NGOs. The fact that ordinary citizens are calling for stronger protections gives legitimacy to the campaigns being waged by these groups. However, civil society cannot succeed alone. Without consistent support, resources, and collaboration with government institutions, their impact will remain limited.
Eswatini women safety: Education and awareness as preventive tools
Another dimension of the challenge lies in education. Many citizens of Eswatini still lack adequate knowledge about women’s rights, what constitutes harassment, and the legal avenues available to victims. Afrobarometer suggests that ignorance and cultural taboos contribute significantly to the persistence of gender-based violence. Schools, community centers, and religious institutions therefore have a unique role to play in reshaping social norms.
Awareness campaigns that promote respect, equality, and dignity can reduce tolerance for harassment. When boys and young men are taught from an early age that violence is unacceptable, the cycle of abuse can be disrupted. Education also empowers women, giving them the knowledge to demand their rights and to seek justice when those rights are violated. By investing in education, Eswatini can address the root causes rather than merely reacting to the symptoms.
Eswatini women safety: Regional and international commitments
Eswatini is not isolated in its struggle. Across Southern Africa, similar challenges exist, and many countries have adopted frameworks under the African Union and the United Nations to combat violence against women. Eswatini has pledged to uphold these commitments, but Afrobarometer’s study suggests that the implementation gap remains wide.
Stronger partnerships with international organizations could help provide both resources and technical expertise. By aligning national policies with continental strategies such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Eswatini could demonstrate leadership in advancing gender equality. This would not only benefit women and girls domestically but would also enhance the nation’s strategic positioning in Africa’s policy debates.
Eswatini women safety: Economic impact of gender-based violence
Beyond the social and moral dimensions, harassment and violence against women carry significant economic costs for Eswatini. Survivors often face trauma that disrupts their education or career, limiting their opportunities for advancement. Companies and workplaces also suffer from lower productivity, absenteeism, and high turnover when employees feel unsafe or unsupported. Afrobarometer’s findings suggest that without addressing women’s safety, the country risks slowing its overall economic growth.
Empowering women is not only a human rights issue but also a strategic investment. Studies across Africa show that when women participate fully in the workforce, national GDP rises, poverty declines, and communities become more resilient. Eswatini must recognize that reducing gender-based violence is essential to unlocking its economic potential. In this sense, Afrobarometer’s message is not just about protection but about building a stronger, more prosperous future.
Eswatini women safety: Voices of the younger generation
Young people in Eswatini represent a powerful force for change. Afrobarometer data indicates that the younger generation is more vocal about demanding equality and challenging harmful traditions. Social media platforms have given them new tools to mobilize, share experiences, and amplify calls for justice. Unlike previous generations, they are less willing to accept silence around harassment and violence.
However, their activism also faces challenges. Limited opportunities for civic participation, censorship, and fear of reprisals can discourage youth engagement. Nonetheless, the growing momentum among Emaswati youth demonstrates a shift in public consciousness that could reshape the nation’s future policies. Supporting these voices is essential for building a safer and more inclusive Eswatini.
Eswatini women safety:Justice system and accountability
A recurring concern in Afrobarometer’s report is the lack of accountability within the justice system. Survivors of violence often encounter obstacles when seeking help — from dismissive attitudes at police stations to lengthy and expensive court procedures. Such barriers discourage victims from reporting crimes, creating a culture of impunity.
Strengthening accountability requires reforms at multiple levels: training police officers to handle cases sensitively, ensuring that courts process cases swiftly, and establishing safe shelters where survivors can find immediate protection. Without such reforms, even the best policies will remain ineffective. Afrobarometer’s findings make it clear that Eswatini must prioritize justice if it is serious about women’s safety.
Eswatini women safety: Collaborative pathways forward
The Afrobarometer study makes it clear that improving women’s safety in Eswatini cannot be the responsibility of one actor alone. Government institutions must work hand in hand with civil society, private sector, and international partners to design integrated solutions. This includes creating safe spaces, investing in education, and ensuring that survivors of violence have access to healthcare and justice. If these partnerships are fostered, Eswatini could transform from a country struggling with gender-based violence into a regional example of resilience and progress.
References and further reading
For readers who wish to explore this issue further, here are some useful resources:
- Insight Mauritius News – Strategic Positioning in Africa Policy
- Afrobarometer Official Publications
- UN Women – Ending Violence Against Women
Conclusion
The voices captured by Afrobarometer leave no room for doubt: Emaswati want stronger protection for women and girls. Harassment and violence are not isolated incidents but systemic issues that undermine human rights, economic growth, and national stability. Unless urgent steps are taken, the cycle of silence and impunity will persist.
A safer Eswatini is possible, but it requires leadership, accountability, and collective commitment. The time to act is now — to honor the voices of citizens, protect the dignity of women and girls, and secure a future where equality is not just promised, but practiced. This is not merely a policy question; it is a moral imperative that defines the kind of nation Eswatini aspires to be.
