This project provides women and girl survivors of sexual violence in the Lubombo region of Eswatini with access to health services, counselling, and the means to achieve financial independence.
A 2022 survey found that one of twelve Eswatini females, aged 13-24, experienced sexual violence. Only half knew where to seek professional services, and only one-quarter did so. The impact of violence on victims is far-reaching. Despite growing recognition of the vulnerability of young women, access to health services, counselling, and economic empowerment have not been made a priority in Eswatini. As a result survivors continue to endure unacceptable physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Support groups will be formed for victims of gender-based violence. Survivors will have the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges. Professional counselors and psychologists will provide coping strategies and practical support for healing, closure, and restoration of self-worth. Survivors will also be enrolled in our Youth Skills Academy for market-driven vocational and entrepreneurship skills. They will be provided with seed capital to start and run income generation projects.
This project will address the needs of 82 existing sexual violence victims, and in the longer term, help reduce future incidences of gender-based violence in Eswatini. Young women will recognize a brighter future through the reduction of social beliefs, norms, and discriminatory practices that have underpinned their vulnerabilities in the past. And, a focus on education will ensure that they are equipped with vocational and life skills that will help them achieve economic independence.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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