ALL VOICES NEEDED NOW TO END GBV

“The campaign to end domestic violence needs the voices of men as well as women, challenging the cultural, economic and political context in which we all experience the world - HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.The moment has arrived. We can no longer ignore the fact that gender-based violence (GBV ) has become a national emergency. We must all rise and act with urgency - before we lose more lives!

It is about time our nation unites and make our voices heard through peaceful yet unwavering protests, demanding that our obdurate and hard-nosed government recognise and declare gender-based violence (GBV) as a national emergency. The GBV crisis has reached almost catastrophic levels in our country and it is our duty to tackle it directly and halt its advance, before it claims more lives of our most vulnerable people - women and children. GBV is ruthlessly taking the lives of the most endangered gender in our communities. Will we stand idly by as they are systematically stripped of their dignity and existence, by the very men who should protect them?

Imagine opening a newspaper and read a screaming headline: “Gruesome murder: Man slits baby mama’s throat..” (Eswatini Times, Monday 14, October 2024). Shocking!
Numerous articles have been authored by me in the past, urging our government to take immediate action and officially recognise gender-based violence (GBV) as a national emergency. I am not alone in this appeal; significant stakeholders, including the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) have consistently voiced grave concerns regarding the alarming rise in GBV incidents to no avail.

Regrettably

The organisation has relentlessly called upon both previous and current administrations not only to condemn GBV, but also to take the vital step of declaring it a national emergency or disaster. Regrettably, empty promises and a disgraceful lack of action have drowned out this urgent plea. Oversight institutions, including Parliament, which ought to be advocating for action and urging the administration to address this gender-based crisis, remain conspicuously silent, making only feeble efforts to demonstrate their concern. The refusal of both past and current administrations to respond to this urgent call is downright perplexing, despicable and egregious; fuelling concerns that their hesitation to label GBV a national emergency hides far deeper issues than what is being shown on the surface.

Regrettably, past administrations offered weak justifications for their inaction. Disturbingly, the current administration appears to be mirroring the reluctance of its predecessors by maintaining the same inflexible position against declaring GBV a national emergency. The pressing question remains: How many vulnerable emaSwati, particularly women and children, must suffer or perish before the government chooses to take meaningful action? The alarming increase in cases of GBV which is progressively characterised by brutality and horror - continues unabated despite the government’s refusal to classify this issue as a national emergency.

The inadequate justification offered by the authorities, specifically the government, for not classifying gender-based violence (GBV) as yet, holds little consequence for me. What truly matters is that GBV has long been recognised as a national emergency by commoners like you and me; and should be treated as such. It is clear that we have reached a critical point where it is essential for the nation to take firm action in recognising gender-based violence as a grave concern and a national emergency, effective immediately.

The most at-risk segments of our society, namely women and children, are daily victims of these atrocious acts, prompting many to wonder why the government is reluctant to implement decisive measures. This concerning surge in gender-based violence cases has definitely ignited widespread indignation and urgent calls for intervention. As a columnist and advocate for human rights and justice, I fully align myself with key stakeholders and advocates urging the government to acknowledge the gravity of this crisis and declare it a national emergency.

Essential

Such a declaration is essential for mobilising the necessary resources and focus to effectively tackle this pressing issue. It is clear even to an illiterate person that gender-based violence has escalated to alarming proportions, with women and children disproportionately affected by these heinous acts. The horrific murders and assaults directed at the most vulnerable segments of our society necessitate prompt and resolute action from the government. The decision not to classify this situation as a national emergency raises concerns regarding the government’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens, particularly those who are most at risk. In fact, to be brutal with the truth...do the men and women who call themselves a ‘Cabinet’, CARE? The answer is, they do not - period.

One may question the government’s hesitance to recognise the pressing need for a national emergency declaration. Is it possible that there are apprehensions regarding the potential repercussions on the nation’s reputation, tourism, or diplomatic relations? Nevertheless, such considerations should not overshadow the imperative to prioritise the safety and welfare of the populace. The seriousness of the situation necessitates steadfast focus and prompt action, irrespective of any perceived consequences.

Moreover, the lack of a national emergency declaration may impede the mobilisation of essential resources and support systems for those affected by gender-based violence. Sufficient funding, specialised services, and preventive initiatives are crucial for effectively tackling this widespread issue. In the absence of formal acknowledgment of a national emergency, there definitely exists a risk of inadequate resource distribution and a fragmented response to the crisis.

Diminishes

Furthermore, the choice not to categorise gender-based violence as a national emergency conveys a discouraging message to both survivors and advocates. It diminishes the gravity of their experiences and undermines the urgency needed to address this pervasive societal issue. The government’s inaction in this matter not only prolongs the suffering of victims but also diminishes public trust and confidence in its capacity to protect and serve the community. On Sunday, October 13th, the Times Sunday newspaper published a harrowing account of a two-year-old toddler who was tragically murdered by a neighbour.

Below is a summary of the distressing event:
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Mbikwakhe, located in the Manzini Region, where a two-year-old female toddler was fatally stabbed by a neighbour. This individual, who had previously engaged with the child and her family, was subsequently attacked by local residents and later died from his injuries at the hospital. As fate would have it, the following day Monday, the Eswatini Times daily reported on another alarming case of gender-based violence.

At the foot of page 2, some of us could not fail, but notice this article headlined: “Gruesome murder: Man slits baby mama’s throat”:
“A 35-year-old woman from the vicinity of Lomahasha was reportedly murdered in a brutal manner, allegedly by the father of her children. Reports indicate that the assailant employed a knife to sever the victim’s throat. While she pleaded for assistance, she was seen clutching her throat, which was bleeding profusely. She was pronounced dead upon her arrival at the hospital, after being transported there.”

Numerous instances of unreported abuse exist, representing only a small fraction of the overall issue. Women and children frequently endure severe mistreatment on a daily basis, encompassing physical, emotional, and economic forms of abuse. Various factors contribute to the reluctance of some women to come forward and report these incidents. These factors include:Victims frequently experience intimidation and threats from their abusers, resulting in a deep-seated sense of fear and anxiety. This fear is justified, as abusers often utilise a range of strategies to exert control over their victims, which may include threats of additional harm or even fatal consequences. Consequently, numerous women may opt to stay silent due to worries about their own safety and that of their loved ones.

What could be the reasons behind government’s reluctance to embrace the growing call to declare GBV a national emergency? I am engaging in speculation, yet there is a possibility that my assumptions may hold some validity. It appears that there are numerous reasons for this situation, not all of which are plausible or justifiable. It is well known fact that our government tends to be frugal regarding expenditures on initiatives that could serve the public good. One significant factor which could be contributing to government’s reluctance to classify gender-based violence as a national emergency may be linked to the political and cultural dynamics prevalent in the nation.

Our political environment is uniquely shaped by longstanding traditions and cultural expectations. Traditional gender roles and societal norms significantly influence governmental policies and decisions. Consequently, tackling gender-based violence might be viewed as a challenge to established power structures and traditional values, potentially provoking resistance from various parties involved. Additionally, the government’s reluctance may be influenced by apprehensions about resource allocation and the practical execution of policies designed to combat gender-based violence. Therein lies the rub.

Granted, declaring gender-based violence a national emergency would require a substantial investment of financial and human resources to facilitate prevention, intervention, and support services for victims. This could, in the distorted logic of our government, ‘potentially’ overextend the budget and administrative capabilities, raising concerns about the longterm viability of these initiatives. If this is as true as I suspect, it is a well known secret that our government is infamous for spending recklessly on numerous projects that largely benefit the status quo. One cannot help, but ask: Sonani kuhulumende sive semaSwati to be treated in such a shabby manner?

Finally, to illustrate the dedication of certain governments globally to the welfare of their own citizens, I would like to present an intriguing article that convincingly demonstrates how some governments honour the preferences of their populace. The following is an excerpt from the Times of India, published on April 29, 2024.
Quote - “Australian PM Declares Violence Against Women A ‘National Crisis’’: “Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared violence against women a ‘national crisis’ and an “epidemic,” prompting him to call for an urgent national cabinet meeting. This call to action comes in response to a series of protests that erupted across Australia over the weekend, where thousands demanded stricter laws on gendered violence.

In cities like Sydney, demonstrators flooded the streets with placards advocating for respect and an end to violence, following a series of high-profile incidents and a troubling statistic that reveals a woman is killed every four days in Australia this year. The government’s response also comes in the wake of a mass stabbing earlier this month at the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction, which resulted in the deaths of five women, raising concerns about targeted violence against women. Prime Minister Albanese, who also participated in a rally in Canberra, emphasised the need for comprehensive reform in his statements on social media and during the rally. “Women in Australia deserve better, governments have to do better and as a society we have to do better,” he stated, pushing for “immediate, meaningful and practical action to address family violence.” - Unquote

How I wished our government could read this article and emulate the Australian Prime Minister’s patriotic stance! Pho-ke, bobani? Lingawa lilanga licoshwe tinkhukhu inyanisi!
I urge the nation, including human rights and gender-based advocates to keep pushing the clarion call advocating for declaring GBV a national emergency, otherwise we will continue losing our women and children to monsters posing as males. Peace! Shalom!

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