Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing human rights and public health crises in Eswatini. Shockingly, one in three women experience violence by the age of 18, with domestic violence being the most common form.
Many cases occur within the home and involve partners or family members, reflecting deeply entrenched social and cultural norms that perpetuate silence and the acceptance of abuse.
While survivor support services and law enforcement responses are critical, eliminating GBV requires more than reactive measures. A sustainable solution demands the active involvement of men and boys as partners in prevention.
Men and boys are not merely bystanders within the system; they are influential actors whose attitudes, behaviours and cultural practices shape the social environment in which violence either persists or is rejected.
Understanding the Challenge
Local experiences of GBV are shaped by patriarchal traditions and gender norms that often privilege male authority while discouraging emotional vulnerability and egalitarian relationships.
From an early age, boys are frequently socialised to suppress emotion and adopt rigid masculine identities equating strength with dominance. Such norms can normalise aggression and discourage help-seeking behaviour.
Cultural practices such as tibi tendlu (family privacy) can also reinforce silence around abuse, making it difficult for survivors to speak out and for communities to intervene.
Despite progressive legislation such as the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018, GBV remains widespread and under-reported. This highlights the urgent need to challenge harmful norms and cultivate positive models of masculinity that promote equality, respect and healthy relationships.
Why Men and Boys Must Be Part of the Solution
Efforts to end GBV often prioritise empowering women and girls — a necessary and important step. However, prevention also requires transforming the beliefs and behaviours of those most likely to perpetrate or condone violence.
In many communities, men occupy positions of influence as heads of households, traditional leaders, faith leaders, employers and mentors. This influence can either reinforce harmful practices or become a powerful tool for change.
When men publicly reject violence, practise equitable decision-making and model respectful relationships, they redefine what strength and leadership mean within society.
Education and Youth Engagement
Engaging boys early through schools, sports clubs and youth initiatives is essential. Programmes such as ‘Boys for Change’, where young men discuss harmful gender norms, consent and respectful behaviour, have shown promise in reshaping attitudes.
Education serves a dual purpose:
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It equips boys with knowledge about consent, emotional intelligence and healthy communication.
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It challenges them to become advocates for non-violence within their peer groups.
Young men who embrace positive masculinity can influence social circles and, ultimately, future generations.
Community Partnerships and Policy Support
Government and civil society organisations play a vital role in sustaining male engagement. National campaigns such as One Billion Rising and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence consistently emphasise the importance of involving men and boys.
Public messaging at these events calls for breaking the culture of silence and promoting non-violent conflict resolution rooted in respect.
Policy support is equally important. Integrating male engagement into national GBV strategies, training police and healthcare workers in gender-responsive approaches, and strengthening data collection on prevention efforts can build a comprehensive framework that addresses the root causes of violence.
Conclusion
Ending GBV in Eswatini is not solely a women’s issue — it is a societal responsibility.
When men and boys become champions of equality, reject harmful norms and model positive masculinity, they help transform communities from spaces of silence and fear into environments grounded in dignity and respect.
True progress lies not only in responding to violence but in preventing it — together.
