Africa-Press – Eswatini. As a survivor of violence, I am rising to speak out against the injustices that women and girls face in Eswatini.
I am one of the one billion women who have experienced violence, and I will not be silent. I will join my voice with others to demand an end to violence and oppression.
It’s time to rise up and demand change. There is a common misconception that violence is an inevitable part of life, but this is simply not true.
We can collectively choose to reject violence.
We must not accept a world where one in three women are abused or assaulted. We must not accept a world where girls are taught to be afraid of their own bodies.
We must not accept a world where women are paid less than men for the same work. Violence is not inevitable, and it is not acceptable. I am rising to demand a world free of violence. I am Rising for my Freedom and my future generation’s freedom.
Violence is not a women’s issue; it is everyone’s issue. It affects everyone, regardless of their gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
This violence has far-reaching consequences, including emotional and physical trauma, economic instability, and social isolation. Violence tears families apart. We must do better. We must stand up and say that this is not acceptable. We must create a world where everyone is safe and supported.
A world where we all respect and value each other. A world where violence is not tolerated, and survivors are believed and supported. This is the world we must build. And it starts with each of us, taking a stand against violence in all its forms. We must speak out, we must educate ourselves, and we must take action. I am rising because I believe in a better future for all of us. A future where we are free from violence.
We can prevent Violence
There are different types of Violence. It can be physical, emotional, financial, or sexual. It can be subtle or overt. And it can happen anywhere, at any time. But there are things we can do to prevent violence and help survivors. We can educate ourselves and others about the warning signs of violence.
We can teach our children about healthy relationships and consent. We can support organisations that work to end violence, and we can advocate for policies that protect survivors. We can also reach out to people who are experiencing violence and offer them our support.
This can make all the difference in the world. Every action, big or small, can help make a difference.
We must start by acknowledging that violence is a problem, and then we must take steps to address it. It is not easy, and it will not happen overnight, but it is possible. Together, we can create a world where violence is no longer tolerated. A world where everyone can feel safe and supported. And that is a world worth fighting for.
I believe that if we all work together; we can make violence a thing of the past. To start, I think it’s important to address the root causes of violence. There are often social, economic, and political factors that contribute to violence. Poverty and inequality lead to desperation and hopelessness, which can in turn lead to violence.
Discrimination and marginalization can also play a role in perpetuating violence. By addressing these root causes, we can help to create a more just and peaceful society. Another important factor in addressing violence is ensuring that survivors have access to the resources they need to heal and move forward.
This includes things like counselling, financial assistance, and legal support. It’s also crucial to create a culture of support, where survivors are believed and supported by their community. When survivors feel safe and supported, they are more likely to report violence and seek help.
This can have a ripple effect, making it more likely that others will come forward as well.
In addition to addressing root causes and supporting survivors, we also need to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
This means not only punishing perpetrators, but also working to prevent violence from happening in the first place.
One way to do this is by teaching people, especially young people, about healthy relationships and consent.
This can help them to develop healthy and respectful attitudes towards others. We talk about violence and gender in our everyday lives. We need to be more aware of the language we use and the messages we send.
We should avoid using language that objectifies or dehumanizes women. We should also avoid making jokes or comments that perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes. Instead, we should speak up when we hear sexist or violent language, and call out those who perpetuate it.
Join the 2024 Eswatini
Rising Festival on ending Violence
The Eswatini Festival is themed ‘’RISE! Be the New World-End Violence against All Women’’ is a day-long event held at Mavuso Trade Centre in Manzini on February 2024 from 8AM to 4PM.
The heart of the festival lies in the Rising through Art segment, showcasing various artistic expressions such as dance, music, poetry, and visual arts.
The programme also emphasizes collective imagination, envisioning a new Eswatini without violence. Workshops, discussions, and a planting ceremony symbolize growth, renewal and community engagement. Importantly, the festival is open to all, with free entry, inviting the community to join hands in solidarity, celebration and commitment to ending violence against all women.
The One Billion Rising Festival is a powerful platform to raise awareness, inspire change and collectively create a new world free from violence.
Source: observer
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