RC REMARKS ON THE LAUNCH OF THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Programme Director, 

Honourable Deputy Prime Minister,

Principal Secretary in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office,
Your Excellency the EU Ambassador, Mr Karsten Mecklenburg,
Distinguished Representatives of the Gender and Children’s Consortia,
Ms Nomzamo Dlamini, Director of the Department of Gender and Family Issues,
My UN colleagues and especially Ms Margaret Tfwala-Tembe, Chair of the UN Gender Theme Group and UNFPA Head of Office,
Esteemed Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Sanibonani!

Today, we come together again to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 

This year’s theme, "Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls," underscores the collective and urgent responsibility we all share in addressing the pervasive and systemic violence that continues to plague over 50% of humanity across our world.  The theme is a rallying cry for unity, action, and unwavering determination to build a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, free from fear and violence.

As we meet here today, it is impossible to escape the strong feeling of frustration at the continuing scourge terror against our women and girls.  

Our Newspapers have been awash with consistently shocking horror stories of the violence our sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends continue to endure. 

Much has been said and written, yet, little has changed and, as we launch the 16 Days Campaign today, it must not be one of those things we do every year simply because it is on our calendar, with little hope that anything will change. 

Instead, we must allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, even indignant. We must infuse our observances with meaning and urgency. Our calls to action must be accompanied by the right strategies, plans and resources.  

Acknowledging Progress and Leadership

Allow me to commend the Deputy Prime Minister and her office for the steadfast leadership. 

On behalf of the UN, I applaud the comprehensive coordination of this year’s campaign, including the ambitious milestones outlined by the Nkwe Programme of Action and the National Gender Policy and Strategy on Ending GBV (2023-2027), reflects a dedication that inspires hope.

The UN family in Eswatini stands firmly with you, alongside civil society, traditional leaders, and development partners, in advancing this crucial agenda.

Allow me to also express heartfelt gratitude to all the partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the comprehensive plan of activities for the next 16 days. Your commitment—be it financial, technical, or through your invaluable time and expertise—is crucial in bringing this campaign to life. 

I also wish to acknowledge the vital role played by the United Nations family in Eswatini, particularly through the Gender Theme Group, chaired by UNFPA. 

A Call to Action

The journey ahead remains fraught with challenges. As the UN Secretary-General so aptly stated:

"The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity. No country or community is unaffected, and the situation is worsening. Almost thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, it is beyond time to deliver on the promise to eliminate this scourge."

We must not despair at the enormity of the challenge and the slow progress. It is not as if Eswatini does not know how to go about these kinds of challenges; on the contrary, we have a tested roadmap: 

The words and command of His Majesty King Mswati III, urging the nation to rise against GBV, echo the same determination that once made Eswatini a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. That same resolve can and must propel us to victory in this battle.

Today, I call upon every stakeholder to intensify our efforts:

• Government must lead the roll-out of the campaign, invest in prevention strategies, survivor support, and legal systems that hold perpetrators accountable. 
• Communities and traditional leaders must break the culture of silence and lead in challenging the harmful norms such as “tibi tendlu”, which loosely translated is the idea that treatment of women, including violence, is a family matter that should not be made public. Violence is not a private matter; it is simply against the law. And indeed, the 16 Days Campaign ends on 10 December, the International Human Rights Day, a reminder that women’s and girls’ rights are human rights.
• Men and boys must take the lead in promoting respect and equality. We must not leave our boys behind but must deliberately nurture them to be the men we need in our societies. 
• Women and girls must be empowered to raise their voices, confident they will be heard and protected.

In all these, be assured that you have a partner in the United Nations. 

In Closing

Allow me to close with these poetic words:

Enough Is Enough

Years pass by, but the cries remain,
Echoing through a land bound by pain.
Our sisters bear the weight of despair,
Their lives shattered, their voices stilled if they dare.

Bruises fade, but the scars don’t heal,
A silent epidemic, too often concealed.
The laughter of children replaced by tears,
A future haunted by unspoken fears.

How long must women and girls endure,
A world where violence feels so secure?

Eswatini, land of boundless beauty, pride and grace,
Yet shadows dark linger in this sacred space.

The weight of machismo bears its toll,
Silencing dreams, so casually breaking the soul.

A silent complicity feeds the flame,
And too many lives are in the shame.

But today, we rise with love and care,
For our sisters burdened by fear and despair.
The laughter of children, a sacred sound,
Must never in violence be drowned.

Our United Nations, the beacon of light,
Stands with Eswatini in this fight.
A pillar of hope, a pledge to restore,
Dignity, happiness, justice, restoration, and more.

To our leaders, guardians of the land,
Forge the future with a steady hand.
Invest in safety, justice, and peace,
So suffering and complicit silence forever cease.

The Command from HM is clear

Only stubborn fools would refuse to hear!

To men, your strength is not in might,
But in standing for what is just and right.
Break the chains of a harmful past,
And build a legacy that will last.

We may not have a new beginning,

But each day offers a brand-new ending!

To women and children, hold your ground,
Your courage and voices must resound.
The culture of silence, we’ll rend apart,
With every word, with every heart.

Sixteen days? No! the journey must go on,
Until the darkness of violence is gone.
Together we’ll weave a tapestry of care,
Where dignity and love fill the air.

Long may be the night,

But surely the end is in sight.

No more waiting, no more delay,
Our future begins with the steps we take today.
Let Eswatini lead with courage and grace,
A future of a just peace for every place.

Let us unite, let us invest, and let us act until this fight is won.

Ngiyabonga. I thank you.