Awaza, Turkmenistan – HRH Princess Lindiwe, Minister of Home Affairs, urged countries to deepen multilateral cooperation to accelerate women’s empowerment during the International Conference on the Role of Women in Modern Society held in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
Addressing delegates under the theme “Expanding Multilateral Dialogue and Partnership as a Factor in Strengthening the Role of Women in Political, Economic and Socio-Humanitarian Dimensions,” Princess Lindiwe stressed that no nation could advance women’s development in isolation, noting that cooperation, shared commitment and inclusive partnerships are essential for meaningful progress.
She highlighted Eswatini’s Constitutional guarantees and cultural heritage as the foundation for women’s empowerment, pointing to Sections 84, 86 and 95, which ensure equality before the law and equitable representation of women and vulnerable groups in Parliament and public structures. The Minister cited the Election of Women into the House of Assembly Act of 2018 as a key legislative step that has strengthened women’s participation in political leadership.
Princess Lindiwe shared that women now make up 29 percent of the 11th Parliament, and occupy significant leadership roles as Principal Secretaries, Ambassadors, Judges and Senior Directors across both public and private sectors. She described this leadership not as symbolic but essential for national development, adding that Her Majesty the Queen Mother remains the principal symbol of women’s leadership and a champion for the advancement of girls and women.
Economic empowerment, the Minister said, is central to the dignity and advancement of women. She noted that women, often the custodians of family economies and tradition, are naturally resilient and entrepreneurial. By supporting them through multilateral partnerships with development agencies and financial institutions, the Kingdom strengthens both the social and economic fabric of society.
Concluding her address, Princess Lindiwe issued a Royal Call to Action urging nations to strengthen women’s leadership at all levels, integrate traditional wisdom with modern governance, end all forms of violence against women and girls including online threats, and invest more significantly in social protection and humanitarian support.
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