TACKLING ESCALATING CRISIS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

In recent months, Eswatini has witnessed an alarming surge in cases of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly targeting girls and women. Among these heinous crimes, rape stands out as one of the most devastating forms of abuse, leaving physical, emotional and psychological scars on its victims. The apprehension of several serial rapists across the country underscores both the gravity of the issue and the urgent need for systemic change.

While law enforcement agencies deserve commendation for their efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, the rising numbers indicate that reactive measures alone are insufficient. It is time for a collective societal response—one that empowers communities, supports survivors and dismantles the culture of impunity surrounding GBV.

According to recent reports from local advocacy groups and police statistics, incidents of sexual violence against women and girls have reached unprecedented levels. Schools, public transport systems and even homes—places meant to be safe havens—are now sites of vulnerability. Serial offenders, emboldened by weak enforcement mechanisms and societal silence, continue to prey on young girls with little fear of consequence.

The trauma inflicted extends far beyond individual victims; It permeates families, communities and the nation at large. For every girl who survives such an ordeal, her dreams may be shattered, her education disrupted and her future compromised. Meanwhile, mothers live in constant fear for the safety of their daughters, unsure how to shield them from harm.

To address this crisis effectively, we must adopt a multi-pronged strategy that involves government intervention, community mobilisation and parental vigilance. One of the ways to address this matter is to establish dedicated units within the police force trained specifically to handle cases of sexual violence. These units should prioritise swift investigations, victim protection and prosecution. I have worked with this unit before, but I feel they need more support to be more proactive than reactive.

Encourage

We need to also introduce anonymous reporting channels, including hotlines and online platforms, to encourage survivors and witnesses to come forward without fear of stigma or retaliation. What seems to still be lacking is education, so launching nationwide campaigns aimed at educating boys and men about consent, respect and healthy relationships is essential. Schools, churches and community centres should play a central role in disseminating these messages.

The most important strategy is organising workshops for parents and guardians to equip them with tools to protect their children. Topics could include recognising signs of abuse, teaching personal safety skills and fostering open communication with their daughters. It would be helpful to also collaborate with schools and neighbourhoods to create ‘safe spaces’ where girls can congregate under supervision after school hours, reducing their exposure to potential threats.

One of the take-aways I got from my visit to the US was an app that was aimed at helping protect girls especially when they travel alone at night. We need to develop mobile applications that allow users to alert authorities or trusted contacts in real-time during emergencies. Features like GPS tracking and panic buttons can enhance personal security. This can work especially because most children now have smartphones. The same technology can be used to map crime hotspots and identify patterns, enabling law enforcement to deploy resources more strategically.

Policymakers

The fight against GBV requires all hands-on deck. Policymakers must enact stronger legislation, law enforcement agencies must act decisively and communities must stand united in condemning these atrocities. But perhaps most importantly, mothers and guardians must take proactive steps to safeguard their daughters.

To every mother reading this: You hold immense power in shaping your child’s understanding of boundaries, self-worth, and resilience. Teach your daughters to recognise danger, trust their instincts and never hesitate to report wrongdoing. Equip them with knowledge—not just academically, but emotionally and socially—to navigate a world fraught with challenges.

And to society at large: Enough is enough. Let us no longer turn a blind eye to the suffering of our sisters, daughters and friends. Together, we can build a safer Eswatini—one where every woman and girl can walk freely, dream boldly and live without fear. The battle against gender-based violence is not merely a women’s issue—it is a human rights imperative that demands immediate action. By strengthening institutions, empowering communities and fostering a culture of accountability, we can begin to reverse this troubling trend. The question is not whether we can afford to act—but whether we can afford not to.

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