MBABANE: Hernandez Aragones, the Ambassador of the European Union(EU) in Eswatini has called for the full implementation of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence(SODV) Act to fight gender based violence.

Speaking at Sibane Hotel, Ezulwini on Thursday during the launch of One Billion Rising Africa Campaign-Eswatini, an international solidarity organisation that fights against the abuse of women and children particularly the girl child, the Ambassador emphasised the significance of making sure that the SODV Act was fully implemented adding that citizens and law enforcement agencies should be well capacitated to understand it.

“The advance of the implementation of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act is very important. The judicial including communities should be capacitated to understand the law so the people can know that they can challenge the abuse because the law is now active in the Kingdom of eSwatini” said the Ambassador.

Speaking during the event, Colani Hlatjwako, the One Billion Rising Campaign Africa Coordinator said as an organisation, they believe in solidarity and that working together can produce the results in ending violence against women and children.

“One Billion Rising Campaign strongly believes in solidarity and we join forces with the Royal Eswatini Police, media campaign to say ungambulali(don’t kill her) ungatibulali (don’t kill yourselves). Let’s rise against violence to women and girls. We believe change will come when we work together, we also need the good men to take a lead in the fight” she said.

Nokuthula Dlamini, the Shiselweni Regional Member of Parliament(MP) emphasized the importance of making sure that women are empowered to own land.

“Women make up on average less than 20 percent of the world’s landholders, but an estimated 43 percent of the agricultural labour force” said the MP.

The launch was attended by among others Manzini North MP Macford Sibandze, Regional MP Nokunceda Bhujela Nokuthula Dlamini and Police Spokesperson Phindile Vilakati among others.