Ending Abuse Eswatini Project #66937

Support 82 Sexual Violence Survivors in Eswatini

by Super Buddies Club

Project Report | May 27, 2025
Review for GBV Survivor Support in Eswatini

By Siphiwe Nkambule-Vilakati | Project Leader

Facilitators engagement with 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:

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

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

Survivors in focus group discussion

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Feb 7, 2025
Skills training for sexual violence survivors

By Siphiwe Nkambule-Vilakati | Project Leader

A beneficiary trained on beauty and salon skills

The project is being implemented in Nkilongo Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region of Eswatini and is targeting 82 survivors of sexual violence. The initiative began with mapping survivors documented by the Super Buddies Club, followed by an assessment to measure their vulnerability to further sexual abuse.

Key Findings:

Of the 82 survivors, 47 were found to still be exposed to abuse, as they were residing with perpetrators who are also their breadwinners.
21 of survivors have relocated and are now staying with relatives.
14 have secured employment in the local agricultural businesses.

Intervention and Support:

On January 28, 2025, the seven at-risk survivors were enrolled in vocational training at Ngihlomise Youth Skills Academy. The training programs include:

Salon and beauty skills
Catering and décor
Plumbing
Welding
Occupational health and safety courses

To enhance their personal development, life skills education has been incorporated into the courses to equip survivors with essential coping mechanisms.

Special Arrangements for Employed Survivors:

Additionally, five of the survivors who are currently employed have been enrolled in part-time classes. These flexible learning opportunities allow them to gain skills that will enable them to secure better employment or start their own businesses.

Funding Needs:

Despite these efforts, funding is still required to:

Enroll the remaining survivors in vocational training.
Provide access to professional counseling to aid in healing and closure.
Provide mentorship and support for survivors to start and run their own businesses whrn they complete their training.
Provide support for survivors to get internship or employment

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.

A beneficiary being trained on baking skills

A beneficiary being trained on welding skills

Some of the beneficiaries in class

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