Legal and rights awareness

Eunice Mguni, a Gaborone councillor representing Phakalane, said that initially her family was unsupportive because “they were worried about how people would view her,” and also because of the financial toll this would have on the family. However, now they are fully supportive; they have seen the many initiatives she has been involved with, and this has brought them on board.

Neo Kesenogile, BDP Councillor Kweneng District Council, acknowledged that the bad attitude of male colleagues in council can be intimidating and because they outnumber women they can attack them with impunity unless they get protection from the chairperson of the council. However, with the support of other women and experience, confidence levels increase.

Khanyisile Mamba, Deputy Mayor of Manzini Municipal Council is the only female Deputy Mayor in Swaziland, a position she ascended to after only one term in council. What’s more is that she has been the only woman in council until the recent elections when another woman was elected, making them two.

Chairperson Mxolisi Mkhatshwa of the Mtsongwaneni Inkhundla asked, “When an Inkundhla has no women, who then takes up women’s issues? The answer is sadly – no one….”

“My first encounter with Gender Links was in 2010, when l attended a workshop on Gender Policy in the Media Houses. l was so moved with the workshop; from the beginning l noticed that l was at the right place taking into account my position of HR in a media house. Since then, l have seen myself differently. My working schedule also has changed. I am able to speak out, about the rights of women. My life also has changed.À