Africa-Press – Eswatini. Empowering young women took centre stage at the Shiselweni Umhlanga 2025 ceremony, as Khulisa Umntfwana led a Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) campaign providing adolescent girls and young women with essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health including delaying sexual debut, menstrual health management, HIV prevention, and gender-based violence.
Speaking to this publication, Khetsiwe Simelane, Programme Officer at Khulisa Umntfwana, said the initiative received strong support from Botho University, which donated sanitary packs worth E100 000, and AHF, contributing pads valued at E35 000.
“Through 60 trained peer educators supported by NERCHA and UNFPA, the campaign reached 4 800 young women through peer-to-peer sessions and group discussions, while edutainment activities engaged an additional 5 000 participants,” Simelane said.
The SBCC campaign, held under the theme “Eswatini sivikela umliba sinaka imfundvo siyatiphephisa kuHIV,” took place at the Embangweni Camp site and the Royal Residence from October 3. Over three days, peer educators facilitated small group dialogues, giving participants the chance to ask questions, interact, and gain practical knowledge for making informed and healthy life choices.
Simelane highlighted the central role of youth in driving the campaign’s success. “Our peer educators are the heartbeat of this initiative. By engaging youth directly, we are giving them the confidence and knowledge to make decisions that protect their health and future,” she said.
Key stakeholders, including UNFPA, NERCHA, MVA, ECPT, FLAS, AHF, EBC, ENYC, Baphalali Red Cross Society, Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education and Training department of career guidance and department of Siswati, supported the campaign by providing peer education sessions, edutainment, and sexual and reproductive health services across multiple camp sites. Dignity packs and educational materials were also distributed, equipping participants with the tools to thrive.
Through interactive dialogues and drama performances, Khulisa Umntfwana’s peer educators delivered impactful messages in ways that resonated with youth. Empowering young people can transform communities, the initiative has fostered safer, healthier choices among Eswatini’s youth, leaving a lasting impact on Imbali at the Umhlanga ceremony.
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