“Konakelephi bobabe?” (Where did women go wrong?)
This was the emotional question asked by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla as she reacted to the increasing cases of rape and murder of women in the country.
The DPM made the remarks during the three-day High-Level Advocacy Mission and Political Engagement on the Ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Eswatini held at Sibane Sami Hotel.
The meeting brought together Members of Parliament (MPs), senators and portfolio committees to discuss the importance of ratifying the convention and strengthening the country’s fight against gender-based violence.
Her comments came just days after shocking reports of violence against women. A Mfabantfu pastor, Nkosingiphile Zwane, was arrested and charged with the alleged rape and murder of four women. Police say the women were strangled before their bodies were dumped in a canal in separate incidents. In another tragic case, the body of a female teacher from Motshane High School was found in the boot of her car on Monday, leaving the nation in shock.
Speaking at the engagement, Dladla said the country had reached a critical moment in protecting the rights of women and girls, including those with disabilities.
“Where did women go wrong to deserve being killed in such a cruel and painful manner?” she asked.
She explained that the meeting was not just about sharing information, but was an important step towards ratifying the convention. The convention was adopted during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa in February 2025.
Dladla said she had learnt that in some countries, violence against women was treated very seriously.
“I have learnt that in some countries, once you raise your hand against a woman, you are chased from that country. I support this. I know some men are against it, but the abuse of women has now become a norm, and that is very disturbing. We must talk about it, not because we are prioritising women, but because we continue to see growing numbers of women being brutally killed,” she said.
She said the convention offers African countries an opportunity to strengthen laws and systems that protect women and girls. It focuses on preventing violence, protecting survivors, prosecuting offenders and ensuring institutions are held accountable.
She added that ending violence requires everyone to work together, including government, communities, traditional leaders, churches, civil society organisations, young people and the private sector.
Dladla said the country had already taken important steps towards ending gender-based violence. These include establishing a national gender-based violence (GBV) coordination mechanism made up of different stakeholders to coordinate prevention and response efforts.
She also highlighted the country’s National Strategy on Ending Violence, which will be reviewed at the end of 2027 and is being implemented alongside the Acceleration Plan.
Dladla added that government continues to review laws and policies to ensure they respond to emerging challenges and meet regional and international standards.
She said there was now a growing understanding across the country that violence against women and girls is not only a violation of human rights, but also a major obstacle to sustainable development, social unity and economic growth.
She urged parliamentarians to provide strong leadership during the ratification process.
Dladla called on all stakeholders to use the workshop as a turning point in the country’s fight against gender-based violence.
The DPM urged MPs and senators to address this crisis with urgency and dignity to safeguard women and strengthen the nation.
