Mbabane – Members of the United Nations, Government officials, development partners, civil society, artists, students, and community members gathered at the University of Eswatini over the weekend for the One Billion Rising Eswatini Festival, marking 14 years of the global movement to end gender-based violence.

The festival was organised by One Billion Rising Eswatini in partnership with the University of Eswatini and served as a call to action in a country where gender-based violence remains widespread.

Some of the executives and representatives from the UN, Government, and partner organisations at the One Billion Rising Eswatini Festival at the University of Eswatini. Photo by UN Eswatini

Speakers from Government, university leadership, the diplomatic corps, and the United Nations drew attention to the serious impact of sexual and intimate partner violence on women, girls, children, and adolescents in Eswatini, noting the consequences for dignity, families, social cohesion, and national development.

Representing the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Margaret Thwala-Tembe, UNFPA Eswatini Head of Office, said ending gender-based violence requires collective effort. “No single actor can end GBV alone. Progress depends on collective action across Government, communities, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners,” she said.

She also spoke about the role of arts, culture, and community dialogue in supporting survivors, challenging harmful norms, and driving change.