JOHANNESBURG – A regional workshop aimed at enhancing the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) brought together representatives from across Southern Africa, including Eswatini, for a four-day training session held between 10 and 13 June 2025 in Johannesburg.
The workshop, hosted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in partnership with the GIZ-run Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (PfP) Programme, focused on building practical skills among officials from gender ministries and civil society organisations. Participants were drawn from several SADC member states, including Eswatini.
The training aligns with Objective 3 of the SADC Strategy and Framework of Action for Addressing GBV (2018–2030), which prioritises capacity building for key stakeholders involved in prevention and service delivery.
Ms Kealeboga Kelly Dambuza-Chifani from the SADC Gender Unit opened the session by warning that GBV continues to derail both national and regional development goals. She told delegates that feedback from member countries revealed gaps in sustained prevention efforts, especially where cultural and religious norms contribute to violence.
During the sessions, participants were trained to analyse risks specific to their countries, evaluate successful prevention models, and improve collaboration between sectors. The sessions were led by Dr Lina Digolo and also included knowledge exchange between countries on what has worked in the region.
Officials from Eswatini said the workshop offered fresh insight into distinguishing between prevention and response, an issue that remains misunderstood across several local programmes. They also called on SADC to assist with national-level capacity building so that the lessons from Johannesburg can be rolled out effectively at home.
The event concluded with certificates awarded to 28 delegates, who were urged to document lessons learned and strengthen future GBV programming through consistent knowledge sharing.
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