End #metoo stories in Swaziland by mentoring men

Often more difficult to define than our other programme areas, Kwakha Indvodza’s focus on creating and strengthening social responsibility platforms lies at the heart of KI’s unique approach. After all, Kwakha Indvodza itself started as an act of social responsibility and over the years, we have designed our programmes specifically to awaken that same mixture of duty, pride and empowerment in our young men (emajaha). Since 2012 we have run projects, or elements of projects which mentor men through violence prevention, leadership, crime prevention, knowledge of the law and the importance of fatherhood.

Last quarter, I was particularly proud to see over 90 KI emajaha and 11 KI staff join peaceful marches in Manzini, Mahwalala and Nhlangano to take a stand against the ruthless killings, assaults and harassment which has come to light in every sector and every corner of Eswatini. Our emajaha marched with determination and with passion for the cause. It was not only encouraging to see so many young men actively pursuing social justice within their communities but believing that their voices mattered: that without them, the collective outrage at this brutality would be quieter and easier to ignore. Together with hundreds of women and girls, the young men of Kwakha Indvodza said:

“We will defy the stereotypes of our gender. We will not become a statistic. We will be better men than those who came before us.” Please join me in congratulating these brave young men.

Of the approximately 1400 men and boys which KI engages every month, these young men are among the most impressive, because they have made a proactive, informed choice to spend their time advocating for the improved opportunities of others and the betterment of their local communities. They prove that it does not take a trade union, or a mass rally, or even a charismatic leader to create meaningful change. We all have the capacity to do something. We can all be change-makers. What’s more, it is our responsibility. These young men’s choice to be brave and stand up for themselves and for others is testament to this. As a founder, nothing makes me more proud.

Your valuable support allows KI to keep pushing at these boundaries, to make small but sustainable attitudes and behaviour change, one individual, one community at a time. Whilst larger donor funds are shrinking, especially in fields such as advocacy, legal support and human rights literacy programmes, your support is needed now more than ever. Thank you.

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