Support 82 Sexual Violence Survivors in Eswatini

The project in January 2025,  enrolled seven at-risk survivors of  gender-based violence for vocational training at Ngihlomise Youth Skills Academy, an institution that was established by Super Buddies Club to address youth unemployment and the vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women to violence and sexual exploitation. The courses the survivors were enrolled in include the following:

• Salon and beauty skills
• Catering and Hotel Management
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Occupational health and safety courses

Support that is currently being provided

In March 2025 a Community Development Specialist was attached to the skills academy through the partnership between Super Buddies Club and the United Stated of America’s Peace Corps Response Volunteer Program to equip the survivors with entrepreneurship and digital skills. The seven at risk survivors have enrolled for the entrepreneurship and digital skills to prepare them to start their own businesses upon completing the courses. The couse design include marketing and promotion of ther services through the design of posters and business cards which they share with potential clients and also via the social media platforms.

Funding Needs:

Despite these efforts, funding is still required to:

1. Procure additional computers for access to computer literacy and digital skills
2. Financial support for the procurement of start-up kits
3. Financial support for the registration of the businesses

This project is a crucial step towards empowering survivors of sexual violence and ensuring they gain the skills and support necessary for a safer and more independent future. Further financial support is needed to maximize its impact and reach all identified survivors.

On March 6, 2024, a focus group was held in Big Bend, Lubombo, to discuss challenges survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) face in accessing sexual reproductive health (SRH) and psychosocial support services. The discussion aimed to uncover barriers and explore possible solutions.

Key Findings:

• Stigmatization & Judgment: Survivors, especially youth, fear judgment from healthcare providers and community members, discouraging them from seeking SRH services.
• Community Dynamics: Many health providers live locally, leading to concerns about confidentiality and gossip.
• Family Influence: Youth are hesitant to seek SRH and mental health services due to fear of parental disapproval.
• Lack of Youth-Friendly Services: Health facilities lack approachable, supportive staff and environments for young people.
• Economic Barriers: Financial pressures in low-income families often prevent prioritizing health services.

Intervention & Support:

In April 2025, seven survivors at Ngihlomise Youth Skills Academy received financial literacy training and life skills education to address financial barriers and strengthen personal coping mechanisms.

Funding Needs:

To expand impact, additional funding is needed to:

1. Enroll more survivors in vocational training.
2. Provide professional counseling services.
3. Offer financial literacy, mentorship, and business startup support to more GBV survivors.
4. Facilitate internship and employment opportunities for survivors.

This initiative is vital in empowering GBV survivors with skills, support, and opportunities for independence and healing.