Africa-Press – Eswatini. The lack of women in leadership positions has been attributed to jealously among themselves.
With the national election process already continuing, it was stated that the high level of jealousy among women was the root cause why they were unable to make it into leadership positions.
Sanele Kunene, when making her presentation during the Africa Women Peace Development Foundation (AWPDF) workshop at Gobolondlo Hall in Pigg’s Peak yesterday, said in most instances women would rather support a man instead of their own.
“Even when it is time for election, we will not see women supporting another woman instead you will see them nominating and electing men and this all emanates from jealousy among us as women,” said Kunene.
According to Kunene, men do not regard women in society, adding that this starts from the household to society and national level.
She said men do not regard women as leaders; something that had relegated women to be second best.
Former parliamentarian, Jennifer du Pont, pointed to the need to allow women to be free in society in terms of leadership.
According to du Pont, women could significant contributions towards the country’s development if they would be trusted with leadership positions.
She said this would steer the country towards its vibrant development goals.
Adding, she stated that women with disability were marginalised and were not in leadership positions.
She urged parents of children with disability to allow them to come out and be part of the society.
“Some mothers who have children with disability find themselves having to lock up their children and that is wrong. They need to be out there contributing in whatever possible way they can,” said du Pont.
The AWPDF in partnership with the United Nations is targeting over 450 women with the aim of identifying and finding solutions to the socioeconomic, political, cultural and lack of women in leadership roles challenges faced by women.
AWPDF Chairperson, Tizzie Maphalala, said it was important for women to speak up and share the challenges that they experienced daily and prevented them from being productive leaders.
Maphalala said women should learn to use their voices in addressing social, economic, and political challenges as they were also on the receiving end of these.
“With violence taking place in homes, communities and on national level we say women should stand up and speak up against such. Gender-based violence and unemployment are among other main challenges affecting women,” she said.
In some of the regions, Maphalala said some of the challenges that had been raised include the increasing rate of HIV infection among the youth.
She attributed this to the high unemployment rate where young people found themselves involved in sexual relationships with older people with the need for money.
Adding, she said the illegal eviction of widows and orphans from was rife in chiefdoms was one of the challenges raised by women.
She added that women had been affected by such issues, some of which were culturally and religiously based.
Maphalala also noted that the outbreak of COVID-19 led to a high level of gender- based violence and poverty as many people lost jobs, which affected their financial positions.
She went on to state that a number of families had to deal with such issues, adding that women in particular had been the most affected. The workshops have already been held in Shiselweni, Lubombo and Hhohho regions and the last stop will be Manzini today.
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