The UN Resident Coordinator Celebrates International Rural Women’s Day at Businesswomen Eswatini’s Inspiring Awards Ceremony

In celebration of International Rural Women’s Day, on Thursday, 15th October 2020, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, attended Businesswomen Eswatini’s joyous prize-giving ceremony.

The ceremony served to honour and empower the many women in the Kingdom of Eswatini who have transformed their communities, or ‘Tinkhundla’, during the strenuous COVID-19 pandemic. Bussinesswomen Eswatini awarded sewing machines to women of three deserving Tinkhundla who are a part of the ‘Vukani BoMake’ project.

The Honorable Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the USA ambassador, a representative of the EU, Business Eswatini, dignitaries and invited guests attended the prize-giving. The two hour-long  celebration was filled with inspirational addresses, dancing, music, laughter and the important recognition of women and businesses making a significant impact in their communities during the pandemic.

“I have witnessed first-hand the incredible expansion of the textiles industry and ‘Vukani BoMake’ project in the Kingdom of Eswatini during a period of great disruption. So too, I have seen the far-reaching impact of agri-business on women and girls through the Woman Farmers Foundation,” stated the UN Resident Coordinator.

“Ladies present today, you did not persevere just for yourselves, to revive your Tinkhundla or become self-sufficient for your families, communities and your beautiful Kingdom. Your example will empower generations of brave girls and women to come. I humbly and very respectfully thank you and salute you,” continued Ms Ndongo-Seh.

Women, rural women in particular, are bearing the brunt of the pandemic. In fact, it is estimated that the coronavirus pandemic and its fallout will likely push 47 million more women into poverty, reversing decades of progress. Nearly 60 percent of women work in the informal economy, an insecure labour market, and thus, are at greater risk of falling into poverty.

According to preliminary global studies, women account for over 70 percent of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers.

“These statistics are only a few examples which demonstrate the courage and the resilience of women. All of you women present today and in your Tinkhundla, are vibrant illustrations  of this bravery, resilience and determination that can turn a household, a community, a sector and an entire nation around,” stated the UN Resident Coordinator.

The United Nations continues to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities, including rural women, to ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery from COVID-19 and pursuit of Agenda 2030.

Since March 2020, the UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, has launched a series of briefs and initiatives to guide the UN and countries’ Humanitarian and Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19. Central to the Responses are increasing solidarity; ensuring equality; promoting transparency, accountability and collaboration; and placing the voices, rights and agency of the people at the centre of the response.

The Resident Coordinator closed her remarks in saying: “I wish to stress that it is only in solidarity and in unity with one another that we will ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery from COVID-19. I have said it before:  we need local solutions to local problems. It is clear today that indeed, you are the solution,”

“As you are awarded your well-deserved prizes today, we are reminded of the impactful words of Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General: ‘When women thrive, all of society benefits’. I congratulate you for your everyday bravery, courage and determination. You are the change-makers, and once again, it is my honour and privilege with you here today.”

The celebrations mark an important relationship between the United Nations in Eswatini and the private sector: an invaluable partner in the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030.