Influencing Unwritten Laws – “Is there Equality and Non-discrimination of men and women under Swazi Tradition?”
"Influencing Unwritten Laws – Achieving Equality and Non-discrimination between Genders under Swazi Tradition" In February 2016, I had the privilege of participating in community dialogues led by Women and Law in Swaziland within the Shiselweni region, focusing on the Swaziland Women’s Charter. This document encapsulates the aspirations of Swazi women across various facets of life. Among the Charter's themes, the topic of Equality and Non-discrimination was addressed. During the dialogues, both men and certain women questioned the call for equality between spouses, citing that it ran counter to Swazi traditions. This perspective raised concerns about the perception of women advocating for equality within the home, implying their purported misunderstanding. The notion that parity within domestic settings is unattainable finds its basis in Swazi customary laws, bolstered by a biblical passage often paraphrased as 'Husbands are the head of their wives.'