BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The ‘Hlonipheka – Thriving for Dignity’ programme has been launched today.
The programme aims to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms of survivors of gender-based violence and persons living with disability in Eswatini. The program will be implemented over a period of three years.
The ‘Hlonipheka’ programme is being funded by the European Union and UNFPA Eswatini to the tune of SZL 10 million over the next three years. The program will be implemented in all four regions of Eswatini, with the aim of restoring the dignity of survivors of gender-based violence and persons with disabilities. This is an ambitious program that will have a significant impact on the lives of many people.
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender equality and a meaningful enhancement in women’s economic and political participation. Empowered women are synonym of a more equal and wealthier society,” said EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova.
Ambassador Choumelova stated that sustainable development could not be achieved without gender equality and meaningful enhancement of women’s economic and political participation. The same is true for people living with disabilities. She emphasised that the inclusion of people with disabilities in the social and economic life of the country is key to achieving the goal of leaving no one behind. The Ambassador also noted that the project is consistent with the King’s commitment to ending gender-based violence and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in Eswatini.
“Investing in human capital and social inclusion, including the most vulnerable groups is a crosscutting theme in our programming in the country and it is along these lines that we worked together with UNFPA and in collaboration with the DPM Office to elaborate this programme. I would like to than both institutions for the positive and constructive exchanges that have led to the finalisation of the programme,” said Choumelova.
The Ambassador stated that the EU’s support to combat gender-based violence is not a one-time event, but rather part of a long-term effort to make a lasting difference in the lives of women and girls in Eswatini. Over the years, the EU has worked with the Government of Eswatini, civil society organisations, and other partners to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of women’s rights and the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. This work is ongoing and a top priority for the EU and its partners in Eswatini.
