The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has warned women who demand or accept umdizo from men to refrain from this habit, saying it is another form of gender-based violence (GBV).
The organisation issued the caution during its GBV walk held in partnership with 8Bet, Mbabane Swallows, and One Billion Rising.
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The walk began at the Manzini Post Office and proceeded through the Manzini Bus Rank to the SNAT Centre, with participants braving the heat alongside members of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) and survivors of GBV.
SNAT’s stance on transactional relationships
SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati said sexual and romantic relationships should not be transactional, and argued that women should not undermine or insult men for being unable to provide financially.
He stated:
“Uma indvodza ite imali, isuke ite imali”
Vilakati urged participants to reject practices that demean or exploit partners, decrying demands for money, mobile data, and public displays of affection on social media, which often contribute to unhealthy relationship dynamics.
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He further appealed to women to desist from physically assaulting men, particularly targeting intimate body parts, while stressing that abuse is not limited to women. Men who assault and mistreat women must also stop.
“The organisation is preaching the gospel of not abusing the opposite sex in relationships,” Vilakati added, encouraging communities to become advocates of change.
Historical and cultural context of abuse
Vilakati noted that abuse has historically been justified through gender and cultural narratives that elevated men above women. He argued that such beliefs are false and often misrepresented using religion.
He highlighted practices in which women’s bank cards or earnings were controlled by male partners, reinforcing economic inequality and disempowerment.
Vilakati also raised concerns about men allegedly pressuring female partners, especially SNAT cooperative members, into taking loans on their behalf, only to abandon them with the resulting debts.
He urged women not to allow partners to use them to secure loans for personal projects, including building houses or purchasing commercial vehicles, warning that such patterns leave women financially burdened and vulnerable.
SNAT and the fight against GBV
Sifiso Vilakati, SNAT Gender and Human Rights Officer, said the association aligns with the international campaign against GBV and commemorates it actively each year.
Key points highlighted:
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SNAT promotes zero tolerance to GBV due to its impact on teachers and learners’ wellbeing and academic performance.
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The 16 Days of Activism campaign (started in 1991) initially focused on violence against women and girls but now aims to eradicate violence against all people, including minority groups.
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Globally, 1 in 3 women are subjected to abuse daily—a deeply concerning statistic.
Digital violence and online abuse
This year’s theme, ‘Let us unite and end digital violence’, addresses the rising wave of online harm, including:
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Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
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Posting nude images of former partners
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Harassment and stalking
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Spreading defamatory content
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Misuse of people’s images and voices via artificial intelligence technologies
Vilakati commended the government for enacting the Computer and Cybercrime Act, which provides mechanisms for reporting digital abuse, but emphasized that more action is needed.
She called on the government to declare gender-based violence a national disaster, stating the issue affects everyone.
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Vilakati also urged parents to monitor children’s mobile phone use, warning that digital platforms can become tools of abuse when misused.
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