Times Of Swaziland: EDUCATED WOMEN UNLIKELY TO MARRY HOPELESS MEN EDUCATED WOMEN UNLIKELY TO MARRY HOPELESS MEN ================================================================================ Mfanukhona Nkambule on 01/03/2025 09:33:00 Hopeless men intrusively check their wives’ or girlfriends’ phones and monitor conversations. They frequently search through handbags and appear uninvited at their partners’ workplaces, harassing men they suspect of dating their wives. Exhibiting violent tendencies, these men are dangerously insecure and capable of deadly actions. I hope my daughters never marry men who appear as pistols in human form. God forbid! Eswatini is a country steeped in rich tradition and cultural values. Equality Historically, these customs have often relegated women to secondary roles, defining their existence largely within the confines of domestic duties. However, as the tide of gender equality rises globally, I have observed that Eswatini stands at a crossroads. It is time for a transformative shift—one that recognises women as equal partners in the journey of national development. The path to achieving this lies in empowering women through education, legal reform and addressing the scourge of gender-based violence. The Constitution of Eswatini is unequivocal in its stance on gender equality. Enshrined within its text are provisions that affirm the rights of women to participate fully in political, economic and social spheres. Section 84(2) asserts the right of women and other marginalised groups to equitable representation in Parliament and other public structures. This provision not only champions democracy but also emphasises the importance of diverse perspectives in governance. Moreover, Section 28(1) promises women equal treatment with men, an assurance that extends to all avenues of public life. Yet, despite these constitutional guarantees, the lived reality for many women in Eswatini remains a stark contrast. Traditional practices continue to bind women to roles that limit their potential, often placing them in precarious positions of dependence. The notion that a woman’s place is solely in the kitchen is an antiquated belief that persists in some quarters. It is a relic of a bygone era that fails to recognise the dynamic contributions women make across all sectors.Women’s organisations in Eswatini are pivotal in challenging these outdated norms. By showcasing successful women in the corporate world as role models, they inspire young girls to excel academically and pursue careers unbounded by gender stereotypes. Education emerges as the linchpin in this effort—a tool as powerful as any in dismantling the barriers women face. When women are educated, they gain not just knowledge but also the confidence to demand equal opportunities. They learn to envision futures where they are not just participants, but leaders. Eswatini need not blaze this trail alone. There are lessons to be learned from countries that have made significant headway in gender equality. Rwanda, for instance, stands as a beacon of hope with its remarkable parliamentary representation of women—over 60 per cent of seats. This achievement underscores the power of policies deliberately crafted to include and empower women. Namibia offers another commendable example. The country’s legal framework robustly protects women’s rights and ensures their participation in different spheres of life, challenging societal norms that have long held sway. Globally, Eswatini is also a signatory to significant international treaties, like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These instruments provide a roadmap for national policies, forging partnerships that can lead Eswatini towards actualising the promises of its Constitution. Despite progress, I have noted with concern that one of the ugliest realities in Eswatini remains gender-based violence (GBV). This pervasive issue not only violates the rights of women and girls but also threatens the very fabric of societal progress. Rape and domestic violence are not merely private problems; they are public crises that require urgent action. Addressing GBV necessitates a paradigm shift—recognising it as an affront to human dignity and constitutional rights. The State must implement comprehensive strategies that encompass legal reforms, community education and effective enforcement. Ladies and gentlemen, it is imperative that the judicial system bolsters its framework to ensure swift and just responses to gender-based crimes, providing survivors with support and redress. Cultural shift Equally important is transforming societal attitudes. A cultural shift towards respecting women must be cultivated, with men playing a critical role as allies in this fight. Education campaigns must be widespread, aimed at fostering a culture that condemns violence and uplifts the value of women. These campaigns must be led by men. Central to this transformation is the upbringing of the girl child. Investing in girls’ education is the most effective lever for change. Girls who are educated are less likely to marry early and against their will, and they are more likely to lead healthy and productive lives. They are less likely to marry hopeless men. They will emerge as leaders who advocate for rights and drive economic growth within their communities. Parents, educators and policymakers have a shared responsibility in this endeavour. It is about creating environments where girls are encouraged to dream big and pursue those dreams without any ceiling. This investment transcends individual success; it is about creating ripple effects that uplift entire communities and reshape the nation’s future. The journey towards gender equality in Eswatini is one of both challenge and opportunity. The Constitution provides a robust foundation, but laws must be backed by action. Women and men alike must take up the mantle of change, forging a nation where gender no longer determines destiny.The SODV Act, though vital, has not done much. Men are still dominating newspaper headlines for the wrong reasons. It is important that I mention that the empowerment of women in Eswatini is not merely a women’s issue—it is a national priority. Therefore, by harnessing the potential of half its population, our country can hope to achieve a more resilient and prosperous future. The world is watching as the nation navigates this critical juncture. For the future of Eswatini, the message is clear: When women rise, the nation rises with them.