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.