Before I pay tribute to Eswatini women in marking March 8, International Women’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to a fallen man of God, a social justice and foremost activist, Rev Jesse Louis Jackson Sr who passed on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. The man of God, Like David, served God, his country and the struggling masses around the world. He worked alongside the global icon Dr Martin Luther King Jr and when Dr King was shot, Rev Jackson was there.
Rev Jackson challenged men of God in Eswatini and globally to emulate his great example, wherein he saw humans holistically, not just as pilgrims bound only for Heaven. He used his vantage point as a respected man of God to stand for justice. Hence, he is credited with having gallantly fought for the end of Apartheid in South Africa. We need men of God who will be the voice of the voiceless in our country and beyond.
As the world gets engulfed in a new era of wars and weakening of global international law safeguards, it is a pity that Rev Jackson, a strong voice against human suffering, is gone. May Rev Jesse Louis Jackson rest and may his good deeds continue to inspire generations to come. Back to the topic for today, I would like to pay tribute to the women of our country for their resilience and unwavering contribution to families, communities and institutions such as government, the private sector, non-State actors and traditional authorities. We are all aware that women have been struggling through generations. Women, even in advanced economies like the United Kingdom and the United States of America, were denied the right to vote. It took a relentless campaign by women to break some of the chains of exclusion.
We also credit the 1995 Beijing Conference that mobilised global communities, governments, civil society organisations and families to put a spotlight on women and girls’ inequality issues. Unfortunately, even with so much progress post 1995 Beijing Conference that advanced the fight against women’s inequality, the struggle continues. Women and girls are still struggling to get access to land and credit, they continue to bear the brunt of gender-based violence, which is truly a national emergency, even though government refuses to declare it. Access to education continues to be a challenge. Women and girls are losing their lives at the hands of those who once claimed to love them, just to mention a few.
What is the theme for the 2026 International Women’s Day?
The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 on March 8 centres on the theme of equality, justice, and empowerment, with specific focuses on the ‘Give To Gain’ campaign to support women and girls organisations to tackle gender inequalities.
UN Women observes that International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a defining moment: Women and girls have never been closer to equality, and also never been closer to losing it. Legal protection against domestic violence has expanded in many countries. Yet, the rights of women and girls are being rolled back in plain sight and across the world, women still do not enjoy the same legal rights as men.The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, once made the following observation about IWD, “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls across all walks of life, in all corners of the world. But we also recognise the enormous obstacles they face, from structural injustices, marginalisation and violence, to cascading crises that affect them, to the denial of their personal autonomy and rights over their bodies and lives. Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men and boys. International Women’s Day is a call to action. Action to stand with women who are demanding their fundamental rights at great personal cost. Action to strengthen protection against sexual exploitation and abuse.”
What does ‘Give to Gain’ mean to us?
When we give, we gain. Together, let’s help forge gender equality through abundant giving. The IWD 2026 Give to Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. ‘Give to Gain’ emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
What should we give?
As individuals, especially males, we need to respect women and girls as human beings. There is no justification for gender-based violence. Our churches should be places of sanctuary for victims of abuse.
There must be trained counsellors in churches as well as shelters for distressed women and girls. Civil society organisations should continue to campaign for GBV to be declared a national disaster. Parliament should also demand a state of emergency against GBV.
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