Mbabane – The Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini urged communities across Eswatini to protect digital spaces and strengthen online safety for women and children. His remarks came today at Royal Villas during the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s campaign theme, “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Children,” focuses on tackling new forms of abuse emerging in the digital era. Dlamini called for stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable while providing survivors with knowledge, tools, and safe platforms to seek help.
“Technology has opened new avenues for violence, including online abuse, cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital stalking, and harassment. Ending violence is not the task of government alone. Every liSwati, every family, every community, every institution, and every partner must play a role,” Dlamini said.
He cited the National Surveillance Survey on Violence, which shows traditional abuse remains widespread. In 2024, Eswatini recorded 14,335 cases of violence, and between January and June 2025, 8,859 cases have already been documented.
The launch brought together partners such as the European Union in Eswatini, UNFPA Eswatini, Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse, UNDP Eswatini, SOS Children’s Villages Eswatini, and others.
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