Africa-Press – Eswatini. Acting Deputy Prime Minister (ADPM) Sikhumbuzo Dlamini has called on the nation to strengthen the protection of women and children in digital spaces, urging families, communities, institutions and government leaders to work collectively to curb the rising tide of online abuse.
He delivered this appeal on Monday during the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, held at Royal Villas, where this year’s campaign theme – “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Children” – took centre stage.
Addressing attendees, Dlamini stressed that the rise of technology has introduced new challenges that demand coordinated action. While digital platforms provide communication, education and economic opportunities, they have also created fertile ground for harmful behaviour, which often goes unreported or unpunished.
“As technology becomes embedded in daily life, it has opened new avenues for violence,” he said. “This includes online abuse, cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital stalking and harassment. Ending violence is not the task of government alone. It requires the collective determination of every Liswati, every family, every community, every institution and every partner.”
He urged the nation to recognise that the digital era requires a new level of vigilance, education and structural reform. “Together, we can end digital violence. Together, we can end all forms of abuse. Together, we can build a safer Eswatini for this generation and the next,” he added.
Call for Stronger Laws and Enforcement
The ADPM highlighted the need for Eswatini to fortify its legislative and enforcement frameworks to ensure that perpetrators of digital violence are held accountable. He stressed the importance of adapting existing laws to emerging forms of abuse, ensuring that the justice system can effectively respond to cases involving online misconduct.
In addition, he encouraged the development of community-level awareness programmes aimed at equipping citizens with knowledge on how to identify, prevent and report digital violence. He said it was essential that survivors have access to safe and confidential platforms through which they can seek help without fear of stigma, retaliation or further victimisation.
“Let us empower survivors with the knowledge, tools and safe platforms to seek help without fear or judgment,” he said.
Concerning National Statistics
Dlamini drew attention to alarming findings from the National Surveillance Survey on Violence, which show that despite extensive national efforts, traditional forms of gender-based violence remain widespread.
According to the survey, Eswatini recorded 14 335 cases of violence in 2024. Between January and June 2025, the country has already documented 8 859 cases, pointing to a persistent and deeply rooted challenge.
The ADPM stressed that these figures should serve as a reminder that violence—whether physical, emotional, economic or digital—remains a national crisis requiring urgent and sustained intervention. He described the shift towards online abuse as an added layer of complexity that threatens to undermine the country’s broader efforts to eradicate gender-based violence.
Partners Rally Behind the Campaign
The launch brought together a wide range of partners who have long championed the fight against gender-based violence. These included the European Union in Eswatini, UNFPA Eswatini, UNDP Eswatini, SOS Children’s Villages Eswatini, the Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), and several other stakeholders.
Representatives from partner organisations expressed their commitment to supporting Eswatini in strengthening preventative measures, building safer digital communities, and enhancing services for survivors.
The collaboration between government and development partners, Dlamini said, plays a central role in ensuring that interventions are inclusive, well-resourced and sustainable. He noted that the fight against digital and offline violence cannot be won in isolation but requires strong partnerships grounded in shared values and a common vision.
A Call to Action for Every Citizen
The ADPM concluded by encouraging citizens to play an active role in creating safe homes, safe communities and safe online environments. He urged parents to monitor children’s digital activities, teachers to integrate online safety education into learning spaces, and community leaders to speak openly about harmful online behaviours.
He also called on young people to champion responsible digital citizenship and support peers who may be experiencing cyberbullying, online extortion or digital harassment.
“As a nation, we must take this responsibility seriously,” he said. “Let us commit ourselves not only during these 16 days but throughout the year to protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
The 16 Days of Activism campaign will run until 10 December, aligning with global efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children.
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