Africa-Press – Eswatini. he Taiwan Embassy hosted the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) ending gender-based violence workshop at Sibane Sami Hotel.
According to Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy First Secretary Trent Tseng, all the participants are expected to advance the rights and opportunities of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons.
He said they would also exchange experiences and ideas to motivate policy making to eliminate all forms of GBV.
The meeting was attended by specialists and citizen groups experienced in promoting or advocating ending GV. These included the Royal Eswatini Police Service, SWAGAA, One Billion Rising, Taiwan Embassy, women entrepreneurs and more.
“Virtually, we also had speakers from Canada, Taiwan, Philippines, and Australia. They shared information on prevalence of GBVs and policies, laws, measures as well as advocacy activities to address this problem.
“They also introduced judicial related issues to GBV including gender bias in the judicial process, condemnation of victims, supports for victims during the lengthy appeal and litigation process, penalties against GV and pertinent surveys or research,” he said
Adding, Tseng said according to the ‘shadow pandemic, violence against women during COVID-19 published by the UN Women, the pandemic has intensified various types of violence against women. He said during COVID-19 lockdown, reports of intimate partner violence and helplines for domestic violence had increased in a number of countries.
Pandemic
He added that cyber violence against women and girls had also been exacerbated within the pandemic context.
In addition, the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersexual (LGTBQI+) persons have faced a higher risk of gender based violence and discrimination than other groups hence the conference.
Tseng added that the pressure of coming out and stigmatisation from society, which may prevent victims to seek assistance, could increase their vulnerability to gender based violence.
“Therefore, when it comes to dealing with GBV, the specific circumstances and needs of vulnerable groups should be considered and emphasised,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku said abuse cases skyrocketed during the lockdown as almost 7 800 cases were reported in nine months where there were 261 teenage pregnancy cases recorded.
Masuku said the youth was the most affected by abuse in the country.
He also said some groups were more vulnerable including women and girls from rural communities and those considered to be LGTBQI+.
Most civic organisations that advocate against GBV have requested the DPM to declared GBV as a national emergency. Concerning LGTBQI+, the High Court denied the Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities rights to register as an organisation, but, acknowledged that the rights of the members by virtue of being human beings were guaranteed as per provisions of the Constitution and other regional and international legal instruments and norms.
The Human Rights Consortium expressed their disappointment and appealed for review of laws that infringed on the rights of LGTBQI+.
“To this end, we will continue to advocate for the freedom of association to be fully enjoyed by Emaswati,” stated CANGO.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
