ONE Billion Rising Eswatini says the case of the teenage mother who allegedly killed her son at Ekupheleni is a reflection of a society that continues to fail its children.
Africa Regional Coordinator of the One Billion Rising Campaign Colani Hlatjwako emphasised that the organisation was saddened by the incident, and strongly condemned the taking of any life, regardless of the circumstances, because every life matters.
However, she said while the 16-year-old’s action was unacceptable, there was a dire need for all stakeholders to also confront the broader context surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
“This is not just a case of a young mother accused of a crime, but it is also a reflection of a society that continues to fail its children.
Legally, engaging in sexual activity with a minor constitutes statutory rape. “That means this 16-year-old girl is not only a child herself, but a survivor of sexual abuse.
She is a survivor who, rather than receiving support and protection, now faces the full weight of public judgment and criminal prosecution,” she stated. Hlatjwako said this case should provoke critical questions, including one on where the minor’s family was when she got pregnant, what actions had been taken by adults in terms of getting the man who impregnated her to face the law, and why the perpetrator was not reported or held accountable for his actions.
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She highlighted that failure to report the sexual abuse of a child is a criminal offense.
“In many of these cases, society is quick to blame the survivor while turning a blind eye to the actual perpetrators.
The cycle of abuse, neglect, and silence enables these tragedies to repeat.
“This is a systemic issue, and this young girl is not the first to be failed by her family, her community, and the justice system,” she emphasised.
She added that, “As One Billion Rising Eswatini, we demand accountability not only from the individual accused, but from every adult who knew about the pregnancy and did nothing.
We also call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy, including the identification and prosecution of the perpetrator of statutory rape.”
Further, she said the young mother urgently needs psychosocial support and counselling, more so because justice must be holistic, meaning it must also provide justice for her as a survivor, not only as an accused.
“Let this be a wake-up call.
The protection of children must be a priority. Silence in the face of abuse is complicity,” concluded Hlatjwako.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
