BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE<\/p>\n
MANZINI<\/b>\u2013<\/b> The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty\u2019s Correctional Services (HMCS) have joined the nation and the world in commemorating International Women\u2019s Day, paying tribute to the strength, resilience and leadership of women serving in security institutions and across the country.<\/p>\n
In statements released on March 8, 2026 the Royal Eswatini Police Service honoured women, particularly those serving in law enforcement, describing them as dedicated officers whose commitment to protecting the nation continues to make a significant impact.<\/p>\n
REPS said the bravery and dedication demonstrated by \u201cwomen in blue\u201d remain an inspiration, adding that their service does not go unnoticed as they work tirelessly to maintain peace, safety and order in the country.<\/p>\n
The police service also used the occasion to recognise the role played by women across Eswatini, noting that they remain the backbone of families and communities. According to REPS, women continue to demonstrate strength, kindness and courage in their daily lives, whether at home, in the workplace or in community leadership roles.<\/p>\n
However, the police emphasised that the day should also serve as a moment of reflection for society to confront the ongoing challenge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, commonly referred to as GBVF.<\/p>\n
REPS said addressing violence against women requires collective responsibility from all citizens, urging communities to take an active role in protecting women from all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial violence.<\/p>\n
The service further warned that the persistent violence faced by women has created an environment of fear and anxiety, stressing that society must unite in the fight to end abuse and ensure women feel safe and protected.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, His Majesty\u2019s Correctional Services also celebrated the achievements of women within the correctional system, highlighting several female leaders who continue to break barriers in positions traditionally dominated by men.<\/p>\n
Among those honoured was LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, the first female Commissioner General of His Majesty\u2019s Correctional Services, whose leadership was described as transformative and inspirational.<\/p>\n
HMCS said Dlamini\u2019s leadership reflects courage, discipline and a deep commitment to nation building, noting that her example continues to inspire many women to pursue leadership roles in public service.<\/p>\n
The correctional services also recognised a number of senior female officers who hold key leadership positions within the institution, including Zodwa Maseko and Gab\u2019sile Manyatsi, who serve as Regional Commissioners.<\/p>\n
In addition, HMCS commended women serving in correctional centres across the country, including senior officers Nothando Nhlengethwa, Fikile Ntshangase and Nokthula Maseko, describing them as exemplary leaders who continue to demonstrate professionalism, resilience and integrity in demanding environments.<\/p>\n
Other women recognised for their contributions included Takhona Motsa, Director of Healthcare Services, Lilly Motaung, Chief Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Royal Close Protection Unit, and Phindile Sibandze, Commissioner in Health Services.<\/p>\n
HMCS said the contributions of these women highlight the growing role of female leadership within the institution and reflect the broader progress being made toward gender equality in national institutions.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs also joined in honouring women working within the justice sector, acknowledging their role in advancing fairness, equality and the rule of law while inspiring future generations to pursue justice without fear or favour.<\/p>\n
International Women\u2019s Day is commemorated annually on March 8. The global observance traces its origins to the early 20th century and was first celebrated on March 19, 1911 in several European countries after a proposal by German activist Clara Zetkin.<\/p>\n
The date was later moved to March 8 following a 1917 protest by women in Petrograd, Russia, who demanded \u201cBread and Peace.\u201d The United Nations began officially observing the day in 1975 and later recognised it globally in 1977.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s commemoration in Eswatini highlighted the growing recognition of women\u2019s leadership across sectors while renewing calls for collective action to eliminate violence against women and ensure a safer, more equitable society.<\/p>\n
(Courtesy Pics)<\/b><\/p>\n
Post Views: 197<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE MANZINI\u2013 The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty\u2019s Correctional Services (HMCS) have joined the nation and the world in commemorating International Women\u2019s Day, paying tribute to the strength, resilience and leadership of women serving in security institutions and across the country. In statements released on March 8, 2026 the Royal […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":85935,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-85936","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-policy"],"yoast_head":"\n