MBABANE: MTN Eswatini pumped in Three Hundred Thousand Rands(R300,000.00) as part of its partnership with One Billion Rising in a project that seeks to empower women and end Gender Based Violence(GBV).
The generosity of the mobile communications company comes amid the escalating cases of GBV in the country, women rights organizations have been pleading with the Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku to declare Gender Based Violence a national disaster.
Colani Hlatswako, the One Billion Rising Campaign Africa Coordinator said the project that was officially launched eMhlangeni under LaMagabhi Inkhundla would benefit one hundred(100) women in five(5) communities.
“As a Campaign we are grateful for this support from MTN and it is encouraging to see institutions/companies responding to the call to end GBV and encourage the empowerment of women and girls.If we work together and collaborate we will be able to curb this national crisis called GBV. Gender Based Violence must be understood as a life-threatening issue that needs to be taken into account and prioritized from the onset of a crisis. By having an open dialogue with the community, we increase awareness on the effects and consequences of Gender-Based Violence,” she said
The One Billion Rising Africa Coordinator then encouraged men and boys and allies of change to join hands in ending GBV.
Speaking during the official launch of the project, MTN Foundation Board Chairperson Busisiwe Simelane said as a Foundation, they recognized that they could also play an important in addressing social issues facing the country
She said over the years, MTN Foundation, in partnership with the other organizations has made several interventions to ensure that the country achieved the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal on “Reduced Inequalities and Gender equality"
The Board Chairperson said as part of their social programs, they have decided to partner with One Billion Rising campaign to implement this project that seeks to create awareness and eradicate GBV.
“MTN Foundation is saying let us all be informed about strategies of eliminating GBV in our communities. When we are informed and actively working to live in harmony, we can jointly accelerate Eswatini’s development, harness its natural and financial resources to drive economic growth and achieve sustainable development.” said the MTN Board Chairperson.
Board Foundation Board Chairperson Busisiwe Simelane.