Sexual harassment of women in public spaces, including workplaces, has been normalised. This was a deduction made by stakeholders during a data release event hosted by QA Strategic Information in partnership with Afrobarometer.
A survey conducted in Eswatini indicates that a national average of 27% of women said they often or always experienced sexual harassment in public spaces such as markets, streets, and public transport. The data dissemination event was held at Mountain View on Tuesday.
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A 2024 research report indicated that among a sample of female university students, 20% had been sexually assaulted and 90% had been sexually harassed in public within a 12-month period.
“Perceptions of pervasive sexual harassment of women are particularly common in cities than in rural areas (38% in urban areas vs. 23% in rural areas).”
SWAGAA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini said the 27% national average underestimated harassment levels.
“The harassment is sometimes so bad that perpetrators even want to physically touch the woman. In some workstations, sexual harassment is normalised, it is unbelievable.”
Dlamini added that many workplaces lack sexual harassment policies, leaving survivors unaware of where or to whom to report. She also highlighted that both women and men could be exploited in the workplace.
“There is a need to have policies in place and entities to be intentional when dealing with perpetrators in the workspace. Also, as a nation, we need to do away with the bystander attitude in cases of sexual harassment,” she said.
Dlamini emphasised zero tolerance against perpetrators and the importance of taking action when cases are reported.
Professional advancement of women hindered by household duties
Lack of childcare and employers’ preference for men have been cited as primary barriers to women’s professional advancement in Eswatini. This is based on a 2025 Afrobarometer survey conducted in partnership with QA Strategic Information.
The survey, conducted between April and May, involved 1,200 adult citizens and is representative at the national level with a 95% confidence level.
The report found that Eswatini is close to achieving gender equality in education and employment. However, Swati men were 4% more likely than women to hold full-time employment (23% of males vs. 19% of females).
Occupation types:
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More women than men were unskilled manual workers.
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10% of women vs. 4% of men worked in retail.
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9% of women vs. 7% of men were mid-level professionals.
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Upper-level professional and clerical roles were equally shared.
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Fewer women than men held supervisory or senior management roles.
Barriers included lack of childcare, employer preference for men, inflexible work arrangements, and insufficient skills or education.
Colani Hlatjwako, One Billion Rising Africa Coordinator, appreciated the survey for guiding programming for civil society organisations. Economist Sanele Sibiya stressed that gender equality starts at home, and corruption impedes progress. He noted that women in leadership roles not only balance numbers but also benefit the economy.
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