BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE – A chance for young girls to improve their lives.
This took place at House on Fire in Malkerns today, where the Ministry of Education and Training in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) launched the decentralisation of vocational skills training programme to increase access for adolescent girls and young women.
Minister of Education and Training Lady Howard-Mabuza, spoke about the marginalisation of women and children. She disclosed how marginalisation of women tends to lead to abusive relationships, early marriages and exploitative livelihoods.
Mabuza mentioned how poverty continues to affect both men and women, but deeply affects women as they find themselves struggling to get out of these situations.
She said this is due to lack of legal rights and less access to education and health care.
“Women often lack legal rights, have fewer resources and lesser access to health care and education. This disadvantages them in many related ways, which restricts their opportunities and makes them far more vulnerable to poverty,” said Mabuza.
The minister further explained how statistics show that women play a critical role in social and economic development when given the opportunity and skills.
The politician emphasised the importance of empowering the girl child as this assists with tackling issues of poverty, ending hunger and achieving the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“When this programme was introduced, we were all anxious to see how it would impact girls and young women who were identified to be in danger of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Today I can gladly report that we have seen so much support from the USAID/PEPFAR funded project in the short time that we have started this intervention,” she said.
She continued: “This project has improved participants’ overall self-esteem, confidence, and vision for the future. This newfound confidence has empowered participants to tap into market opportunities and advocate for improved access to basic services such as health and education,” said the minister.
Mabuza went on to thank government and the people of the United States of America for supporting this noble cause, stating that success stories of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) who are now empowered have been shared. The minister added that the adolescent girls and young women have attested to the fact that they are now able to take care of themselves and their families.
“It is my strong belief that through technical and vocational skills training participation, especially by women, this country can realize an economic boost. At the same time, women are economically empowered and lifted out of poverty, as well develop resilience for the future.
“I wish to thank every one of you for joining the Ministry of Education and Training, The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture whose mandate is ensuring that our youth are empowered, and the USAID/ PEPFAR Partners in witnessing this historic event,” said Mabuza.
