Statement of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, at the International Rural Women's Day Celebrations

Your Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister,

Your Excellencies,

President of Business Eswatini,

CEO of Business Eswatini,

Business Women Eswatini,

Business leaders,

The media,

My sisters, mothers and daughters,

Ladies and gentlemen,

A very good morning to you all! What a beautiful and bright day it is to celebrate the incredible women before me: the rural women of our Kingdom of Eswatini. I am truly humbled to be amongst you today, for I believe that I am standing with some of the nation’s strongest, bravest and most courageous women. My sisters, mothers, daughters and friends; thank you for welcoming me to celebrate with you the International Day of Rural Women.

As I look at the beautiful faces before me, I am reminded of the words of Atticus: “She was powerful, not because she wasn’t scared, but because she went on strongly, despite the fear.” It is true that each and every one of you are powerful for you have endeavoured, and refused to give in to fear, through challenges that we might have never imagined. From natural disasters such as El Nino – the drought of 2016 and 2017, to the ferocious Tropical Storm Eloise, the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and recently, the civil unrest; we, as women, have collectively endured pain, shock and grief, yet here we stand today.

Might we take a moment to appreciate and applaud our individual and collective strength as women leaders of today and tomorrow.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2007, this wonderful day honours “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.” This year’s global theme; “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food For All,” celebrates the essential role that rural women play in our food systems and bringing nutritious food for us all.

The hands of labour of women extend from the production processes to the preparation, consumption and distribution of food. In sub-Saharan Africa, women alone produce an incredible 60 to 70 percent of food, whilst across the continent, women are responsible for 50 percent of agricultural activity.

Women are also leaders in ensuring food security within their own households and communities and are oftentimes the sole breadwinners of their families. According to a 2019 survey of 7,000 South African women aged 25 to 44, 69 percent of respondents were the main breadwinners of their households.

Women truly are natural leaders and are fully capable of leading in all fields, including agriculture: coupled with their immense resilience and perseverance for the sake of loved ones, women are a force to be reckoned with. I have no doubt that all ladies here today think not only of themselves but their families and communities, in their endeavours to earn a living. I am continuously inspired by the strength of rural women whom I meet on a regular basis; many of whom, like yourselves, are a vision of hope for our future generations.

With a staggering 2.37 billion people hungry worldwide, let us cultivate this strength of rural women, bringing them to the forefront of our battle against food insecurity and indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic.

For we have seen the depths of women’s strength throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as global studies show that women account for over 70 percent of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers. In sub-Saharan Africa, women account for a disproportionate 74 percent of workers in the informal sector; a sector which has proved volatile and unprotected. According to the World Bank, the regional economy is anticipated to decline to as low as -5.1 percent, severely impacting informal economy workers and in turn, women.

As sisters, we have witnessed the deep impact of gender-based violence on one another, as well as our beloved Swazi daughters, of whom, one (1) in three (3) will experience sexual violence before the age of 18.

Yet, despite the devastation to women’s lives, livelihoods and sources of income, women have bravely fought against their challenges, leading essential, innovative and effective responses to the pandemic, producing masks, sanitisers, and many other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Through incredible initiatives by Business Women Eswatini, such as the Vukani BoMake project, EmaSwati women, many of whom are here today, are leading our nation with local solutions to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, through the manufacturing of PPE and recyclable bags. Under the extraordinary leadership and vision of my dear friend, sister and colleague Make Tokky Hou: many of Eswatini’s daughters have hope and a future. I often become overwhelmed when listening to Make Tokky’s addresses at events such as these, for her passion and commitment to the women of this beautiful nation, are both astounding and humbling. My sister, I shall deeply miss the interactions that we have shared, for I always leave your presence both inspired and re-energised: yet, I have no doubt that our sisterhood will remain and you will continue to change our nation.

However, it is without a doubt that the vision of Make Tokky and her sisters, would not be as vibrant and thriving as it is today without the undeniable support of the President of Business Eswatini, Mr Andrew Le Roux, and the CEO of Business Eswatini, Mr Nathi Dlamini. I would like to take a moment to truly appreciate the support of Mr Le Roux and Mr Dlamini, who have shown courage and indeed, intelligence, in taking a chance on Eswatini’s women and backbone of our nation.

Our society is so much stronger together. In the words of the great Nelson Mandela, our Madiba; “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Might we all continue to live our lives in a manner that respects and enhances the freedom of one another; as men and women, and boys and girls.

Today’s gathering is a reflection of our nation’s commitment to ensuring a “just, prosperous and resilient Eswatini, where nobody is left behind.” Your Excellency, the Hon. Prime Minister, and Government, Your Excellencies, as well as the private sector and development partners, all of whom I have profound respect; I encourage you to continue the great work that you have started and I thank you for your belief in the incredible daughters and mothers of our nation. Might we continue to stand together as EmaSwati and friends of Eswatini, to ensure that our girls and women are empowered, respected and afforded every opportunity to thrive: a vision reflected in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

As I close, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Business Women Eswatini and Business Eswatini alike, for the wonderful privilege of being a trusted partner in your endeavours to change the future of the children of this Kingdom. In the profound words of the native American proverb; “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors: we borrow it from our children.”

As many of you know, my time in the beloved Kingdom of Eswatini comes to an end this month. I will miss deeply the extraordinary interactions and partnership with all present today, and the continuous source of inspiration that you have each provided in my personal journey. I leave with a heavy yet joyful heart, for I have no doubt that in your hands, the Kingdom of Eswatini has a bright and prosperous future ahead.

My hope for you all is reflected in the beautiful Irish blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you; may the wind be always on your back. May the sun shine warmly upon your face; the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

I thank you.