Strategic Initiatives
INTEGRATING THE RESPONSE TO GBV, HIV, AND ECONOMIC MARGINALIZATION OF SWATI WOMEN INITIATIVE
Program Overview
|
WAGE’s second strategic initiative is a multi-disciplinary program aimed at integrating the responses to GBV, HIV and economic marginalization of Swati women. Launched in 2020, the program works in close partnership with local lawyers and several CSOs to improve legal protections and access to justice for women affected by or at risk of GBV and HIV; to support prevention initiatives, including those aimed at mitigating the risks of GBV associated with economic strengthening programming; and to provide holistic services and referrals to GBV survivors, including increased access to gender-sensitive livelihood support.
|
Improving outcomes and economic potential for women suffering from HIV/GBV
|
WAGE believes that lawyers, CSOs, and government officials in Eswatini have enhanced collective capacity to advocate for better laws protecting women affected by GBV, HIV, and economic marginalization, and if state and non-state service providers have increased capacity to promote prevention of GBV while also providing more holistic and gender-sensitive services to women at risk of discrimination and violence, then we expect that Swati women will have greater power to lead more resilient, independent, economically sustainable, and violence-free lives. Our program builds on the momentum currently in Eswatini to advance women’s rights and voices to collectively advocate for changes needed across the board.
|
Addressing the intersection of HIV, GBV and economic marginalization
WAGE Eswatini and Local Partners
|
Lulote BMEPLulote BMEP has worked on economic strengthening by providing business development services and value chain development to small businesses, rural women groups and out of school youths since its inception in 1986. Lulote BMEP partners with WAGE by integrating GBV issues in Economic Strengthening activities.
Swaziland Action Group Against AbuseThe Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) has been working for 30 years to eradicate gender-based violence (GBV), child sexual abuse and human trafficking in Eswatini. The organization vision is to see a Eswatini free of gender-based violence where human rights are respected and all live in peace and harmony. SWAGAA uses an integrated approach to address GBV and sexual abuse by engaging communities in conversations three key areas of GBV issues: prevention, care & support and access to justice.
Kwakha IndvodzaKwakha Indvodza (KI) is Eswatini’s first male mentoring organization. Since 2012, they have focused their efforts on community-led health and behavior change interventions with men and boys. Their visions is to see a healthy, resilient and more gender equal Eswatini, guided by positive and informed male influences. KI’s expertise will enhance the WAGE program's ability to address harmful gender norms and other drivers of GBV, specifically among young people.
|
