MEN CAN’T ACCEPT DEFEAT

Sir,

This year we saw our schools take part in the worlds’ largest lesson based on the UN sustainable development goals, which were adapted after the millennium goals failed to be met at the given time.

Out of 17 goals that we hope will be achieved by 2030, this year we are focusing on goal number five, which is gender equality.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to gender inequality but the most common are; religion, tradition, culture and expectations set by society.
Women obviously want to be recognised and be given the same opportunities as men. It is quite clear that women are moving towards that goal.

I cannot help but ask myself if there will ever be a time when women and men are equal, a time when women can be independent and not live under their husbands’ shadows, a time where women can do whatever they want without being questioned.

Some people can argue that it is natural for men to have the upper hand and they can refer to the bible or even our own traditions but I keep asking myself if the abuse and discrimination women face is because of gender inequality.

Another can argue that all talk of women’s rights is moonshine and that this battle has already been won.
It is up to us as women to stand up for ourselves and actually exercise these rights. However, I can firmly say that it is not as easy as it looks.
If you are black and a woman, some may refer to this as double tragedy.

I also strongly believe that gender equality will not be achieved if girls are forced into early marriage; if the boy child in the family is treated better than the girl child; if women are treated as possessions and not fellow humans and if the girl child is denied the chance to get education.
I am sure some of you are asking why women deserve to be recognised and to that question I can raise a few names that are familiar, like the likes of Malala Yousafzai the Pakistani who is the younghest ever to be given the Peace Prize, Hillary Clinton, the UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Our very own Gciniwe Fakudze and Nelisiwe Mabuza are examples of women moving past the stereotype that women cannot be leaders or be as powerful as men.

 An example of a woman who defied all odds and overcame all obstacles that come with being a female leader is the late Queen Labotsibeni who is one of the most powerful female leaders Swaziland has ever seen. I personally believe she is partly the reason we are where we are today.
When most African leaders at the time were in denial, she was able to see that the only thing that can move us forward was education.

She took the initiative to send King Sobhuza II abroad so he could be educated and be the leader his nation needed.
Over the years, we have watched Gciniwe Fakudze transforming the face of Matsapha from a dangerous neighbourhood to one of the fastest developing places in the country.

Such has been accomplished by reducing the crime rate, creating job opportunities within the area and developing infrastructure.
None of this would be possible if it were not for the committed leader they have. One thing I have noticed is that men cannot accept defeat.
It seems they are always looking for ways to belittle women; it could be through media, abuse or violence.

The few examples I have given are enough to convince anyone that women have the determination and capability to handle the world if given the chance.
Finally, I urge the world to give us a chance, so that we can show what the female species is capable of, to show the greatness we would bring to this world but most of all, prove our worth. I urge that Queen Labotsibeni be honoured and that we should shine a light on all the good she did for this nation.
Just like King Somhlolo, she also deserves a public statue, so that her hard work will never be forgotten.

Nomvelo Nandi Tembe
MATSAPHA

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