Bantwana Initiative Eswatini

🌟 We’re Taking A Well-Deserved Break! 🌟 What a year it’s been! From extreme weather to extreme passion, we’ve kept our promise: doing what we love most—serving children, youth, and communities across Eswatini. This year, we’ve carved out transformative partnerships, challenged ourselves, crisscrossed the country like pros, and delivered impact like never before. Above all, we broke new ground by launching the #BantwanaRegionalNetwork — together with Bantwana Zimbabwe and Bantwana Initiative Uganda — cementing our legacy advancing locally-led development. But even superheroes need to recharge! That’s why we signed off on December 17, 2024, and will be back stronger than ever on January 7, 2025. Why? Because self- and collective care are non-negotiables. Take this time to rest, laugh, and soak up family moments—you’ve earned it! And to all our amazing partners who make The Brand That Is BANTWANA possible, THANK YOU for sticking with us and cheering us on. Let’s keep the energy high and the impact rolling in 2025! See you next year, refreshed and ready to do what we do best. Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year! 🎄🎉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g-h8QHn5

We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Bantwana Regional Network! The Network brings together The Bantwana Initiative national teams in #Zimbabwe, #Eswatini, and #Uganda to expand their impact in the sub-Saharan region while maintaining the Bantwana brand. The Bantwana Initiative developed out of World Education’s Africa portfolio in 2006 to fill gaps in services for #HIV-affected orphans and vulnerable children #OVC. Over the last 20 years, it has developed strong relationships and reached hundreds of thousands annually with holistic health and education services. World Education and the Bantwana Initiative move forward separately, but with a lasting relationship. https://lnkd.in/gR4xFF4Q #LocalRootsGlobalImpact Bantwana Initiative Eswatini Bantwana Initiative Uganda Bantwana Zimbabwe

Today we celebrate the official launch of the Bantwana Regional Network! This Network is a new, exciting phase for The Bantwana Initiative of our World Education division: https://lnkd.in/emxNZJTr The Bantwana Initiative was established in 2006 to fill gaps in services for #HIV-affected orphans and vulnerable children #OVC in sub-Sahran Africa. Bantwana teams in #Eswatini, #Uganda, and #Zimbabwe previously transitioned to independent local organizations in affiliation with JSI and World Education. Now, these teams join together to form the independent Bantwana Regional Network, carrying on Bantwana’s mission and brand and increasing its impact across the region. #LocalRootsGlobalImpact #WorldAIDSDay2024 #GlobalHealth #GlobalEducation Bantwana Zimbabwe Bantwana Initiative Eswatini Bantwana Initiative Uganda

🌍Tomorrow, December 10—Human Rights Day—marks the conclusion of the 2024 #16DaysOfActivism. But let’s be clear: our work to #EndGBV doesn’t stop here—it’s a year-round commitment, 24/7/365! On this day, we honour the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines the inalienable rights of every person, including the right to live free from violence and discrimination. 💡On Day 16 of the #16DaysOfActivism, we embrace this year’s Human Rights Day theme, #ourrightsourfuturerightnow, as a powerful reminder that human rights are the foundation of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Ending GBV is not just a development goal—it’s a global human rights imperative. Let’s keep the momentum beyond these 16 days and build a future where everyone’s rights are upheld, respected, and protected 24/7/365—starting right now! 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gXJPPJq #UDHR #HumanRightsDay #EndVAWG #Sisonkhe #DPMO Women Unlimited WhatWorks2PreventVAWG UNDP Eswatini Commonwealth Foundation

🔎 What is the cost of Violence and Harassment at Work (VH@W)? VH@W creates hostile, unsafe environments, undermining employees' dignity, and well-being while harming organizational performance. Its effects ripple beyond individuals—reinforcing societal gender inequalities, perpetuating silence, and eroding workplace trust. 💡VH@W does not occur in isolation; it is deeply rooted in cultural and economic systems, including entrenched gender norms and power imbalances. As organizations advocating to end GBV, NGOs must lead by example—embedding safety, dignity, and equity within workplaces. As the adage reminds us: “Charity begins at home [work]!” On this 15th Day of the #16DaysOfActivism, we spotlight the urgent need to tackle VH@W as part of a broader commitment to creating inclusive, equitable spaces. This means implementing survivor-centred policies, promoting accountability, and ensuring workplaces are free from violence and harassment. 🔗 Learn more about VH@W: https://lnkd.in/ddVDCDV4 #SafeWorkplaces #EndVAWG #WorkplaceEquity #Sisonkhe #DPMO International Labour Organization Women Unlimited WhatWorks2PreventVAWG

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most severe manifestations of gender inequality, posing a critical threat to global public health, human rights, and development. Shockingly, it affects more than 1 in 3 women in their lifetimes, leaving lasting impacts not only on survivors but also on their families and entire communities. Preventing #GBV requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach—one that addresses violence head-on while reshaping social norms at all levels of society. At The World Bank Group, accelerating gender equality is central to our mission of ending poverty and building a livable planet for all. Learn more more about our commitment: http://wrld.bg/FACU50Ukqhz #16Days

🖥️📱While technology has amplified online gender-based violence, it also holds significant potential as a powerful tool for preventing, mitigating, and responding to violence against women. Innovative technologies, with appropriate controls in place, can be used to collect, analyse and disseminate data on violence against women and violence against children; as well as for response services and access to care. 💬 How do you use technology to enhance your work? Tell us in the comments below! ➡️ Find out more on how to harness the power of technology to address gender-based violence: https://lnkd.in/dZ4d-mQ6 📝 This is an extract from the article ‘16 Ways to Strengthen and Build Powerful Evidence on VAW’ by the SVRI for The Pixel Project. Read it here: https://bit.ly/3ZrZlLJ #16DaysofActivism #EndViolence #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EndChildSexualViolence #ResearchforImpact #EvidenceBased #NoExcuse #OrangeTheWorld

❓ What does survivor-centred care mean in GBV response? A survivor-centred approach is essential in creating safe spaces for healing and empowerment. It prioritizes survivors' dignity, rights, and agency, ensuring everyone feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their recovery process. This means acknowledging that each survivor’s journey is different and requires a tailored, empathetic response. 💡On Day 14 of the #16DaysOfActivism, we spotlight the importance of strengthening the social services workforce to implement survivor-centered care. Regardless of their role, all staff in GBV programming—from community volunteers to social workers—should be trained to support survivors and foster an environment where survivors are provided with pathways to safety and healing. 🔗 Learn more from this 'How-to Note Series #3': https://lnkd.in/dsSNZwiA #SurvivorCenteredCare #EndVAWG #Sisonkhe #DPMO #UKInEswatini Women Unlimited WhatWorks2PreventVAWG Prevention Collaborative USAID

🔎 What role can men play in ending GBV? GBV isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a societal crisis requiring collective action. Men and boys play a pivotal role in challenging harmful gender norms, disrupting toxic masculinity, and promoting equality. Their allyship has the power to transform attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence and inequality. 💡On Day 13 of the #16DaysOfActivism, we celebrate male champions actively dismantling patriarchal norms and fostering a culture of accountability and equality. Effective allyship means centering women’s lived experiences, amplifying their voices, and ensuring their leadership guides change. It must also align with broader feminist principles to achieve lasting transformation.🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dmutgNze #MenAsAllies #EndVAWG #PositiveMasculinity #GenderEquality #Sisonkhe #DPMO Prevention Collaborative WhatWorks2PreventVAWG Women Unlimited

💜 16 Days of Activism:     We are continuing our fight to end gender-based violence everywhere, and today, we’re shining a light on an important issue: GBV in climate action.      Women, girls, and diverse people are often excluded from decision-making roles in climate action. This needs to change.     📈 In Cambodia and Lao PDR, 42% of women environmental human rights defenders reported safety concerns as a major barrier to their participation in natural resource management.     To build a truly just transition, we must ensure that everyone, especially women and marginalized groups, have a seat at the table.    Climate action is incomplete without their voices.     Want to learn more about the intersection of GBV and climate change?     🌱 Check out our latest report here: https://lnkd.in/eA6Xqw8x     #16DaysofActivism #ClimateJustice #EndGBV