One billion rising is a global mass call to action to end violence against women and on the 17 th February, the citizens of Swaziland answered that call. Men and women, young and old, poor and rich, employed and unemployed: gathered together in their numbers at Millennium Park to take a stand and have their voices heard. Neither the threat of a cyclone nor early morning torrential rains could dampen the spirit of the people and put a halt on the revolution. This day proved beyond a doubt the changing mindsets and growing acceptance of women as productive and contributing members of society. The march and subsequent dialogue were graced by the presence of a few thousand people which further proved to be a powerful narrative beyond being an undeniably effective demonstration of solidarity. The people of this country stood as one against a worldview which divides humanity into simplistic separate categories. The diverse group present on that day acted as a beacon of light, urging the
A gender equal society benefits both women and men!