No one has our backs but us

Sir,

As many in the country were involved in the process of registering to vote, I hope we are clear on the kind of leaders we want to see moving this country forward. The First World vision was one of the best ideas that the country has had, but what good does it serve if only a few citizens get to witness First World status?

I mean, how many women have died in the hands of fellow emaSwati since the vision was introduced? How many rape cases have been reported? Rape cripples the mind of a woman; it traumatises her in ways that if her mental health is not prioritised after the ordeal, she is as good as a walking zombie. Working with young women on the ground, I have realised how many of us are really damaged, and how despite all the damage, we are expected to keep up a strong, ‘I’m fine’ appearance. So that begs the question, how many women are literally and metaphorically dead? Their voices are silenced.

Remind

My point today, is to remind women that no one else has our back but us. If we keep voting for people who forget our plight the moment they get into office, we will not win the struggle against gender-based violence. I mean, look at how long it took to pass the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill? Now, someone who does not live in fear may say it is selfish to vote for women so they can care for women’s issues, but what has voting for men done for us? I know that from childhood, women imbibe the notion that selfishness, like ambition, makes them unlikable and untrustworthy. But how many times have we voted, again and again, for someone who forgets we exist the moment they start getting a fat cheque?

My plea to government, and all human rights organisations is for them to educate people on how their vote can change things for the better, but only if they vote for the right people, not the one who brought the biggest food parcels.

Nomsa