Raising Awareness Against Gender-Based Violence At The One Billion Rising Festival 2024
“Rise Be The New World – End Violence Against All Women,”. On 24
February 2024, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) through the Youth
Action Movement (YAM) joined One Billion Rising Eswatini and other
organizations at the Mavuso Trade Center for the Eswatini Rising Festival 2024 to
end gender-based violence. The festival aimed to call to action everyone that
gender-based violence is a life-threatening issue.
The Festival served as a platform for all participants to unite and lend
their voices to the movement against gender-based violence. Information stalls
were set up to provide resources and educational materials on gender-based
violence. Organizations had an opportunity to network with each other, visit
stalls, and engage in interactive discussions around gender-based violence.
The presence of the Family Life Association of Eswatini was particularly
significant due to its direct contact with women daily, making the organization
uniquely positioned to raise awareness and eliminate gender-based violence. By
offering services tailored specifically for women and interacting with them on a
daily bases, a confidential space is created where women feel safe to share
their experiences and fears of gender-based violence. FLAS emphasized the
promotion of open discussions around sexual boundaries and respecting
reproductive choices, linking health services to conversations about gender
equality. Also, the organization alluded to the provision of more resources and
information on gender-based violence, help women recognize the signs of abuse,
and facilitate access to support services.
Furthermore, during the event artists performed pieces that addressed gender-based
violence, adding a creative and emotional dimension to the event. The
activities rendered by the artist included rising through showcasing various
artistic expressions such as visual arts, music, and dancing. Through their performances,
they were able to convey powerful messages that resonated with the audience and
reinforced the importance of standing united against gender-based violence.
Overall, the collaboration among organizations and artists demonstrated
a unified front and collective commitment to creating a world where women are
free from violence and discrimination. In addition, by participating in the
festival, FLAS not only showcased its commitment to safeguarding women's health
but also highlighted that, addressing gender-based violence is critical to
protecting their sexual and reproductive health and rights.