By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE: Women rights activists met at the Swaziland National Association of Teachers(SNAT)Centre this week to plan for the “Rise against Gender Based Violence(GBV)” event to be held next month.

Speaking to this Swaziland News on Thursday, One Billion Rising Africa Regional Coordinator Colani Hlatjwako said everyone was invited to join the Rising. 

“We are in a midst of a crisis where women are abused, killed, subjected to status of second class citizens and Government is not showing commitment to declare Gender Based Violence as a national crisis.As a campaign we believe ending any form of violence against women calls for everyone to play a role and if we want to dismantle patriarchy we must work together, but Government must lead by example. This year we demand our freedom as women and we Rise for creation of the new culture to end violence,”said the One Billion Rising Coordinator. 

The planning Committee includes: Ayanda Zama Potgieter (Mrs Africa Eswatini), Hlobisile Dlamini(Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA)Programs Director), Bonsile Mamba(Swaziland Rural Women's assembly - Sicandvulo Sabomake  Chairperson),Sifiso Vilakazi( SNAT Gender Officer), Dlalisile Kunene( From Gcama Mfati Women's organization- Chakaza Mfati and Volunteer at Ngonini community circle),Bongekile Shiba(A film maker, photographer and Techno Friends Eswatini Director), Nonzwakazi Dlamini(Artist doing visual art, Volunteer at Kwaluseni Community Circle), Buthusile ( Coalition of the informal Sector Chairperson), Zodwa Zungela(Volunteer at Emhlangeni Community Circle), Sitakele Maseko(One Billion Rising Community Circles Coordinator)and Bagcinile Hlatshwako(One Billion Rising Counseling Officer).