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Swaziland

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The Kingdom of Swaziland – Swaziland|

The Swaziland Crimes Act currently prohibits rape, incest, indecent assault, abduction, kidnapping, public indecency and assault. The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill of 2005 awaits enactment by the parliament. If passed, this law will specifically prohibit marital rape, the indecent treatment of children that does not include penetration, sexual harassment and trafficking. Despite rape being prohibited by law, a lack of enforcement by authorities and the reluctance of women to report rape prevent perpetrators being held to account. Although women have the right to charge their husbands with assault under both civil and traditional law, penalties for men found guilty often depend on the court’s discretion. The US Department of State reports that in traditional courts women considered ‘unruly’ or ‘disobedient’ were less likely to have their spouses convicted of assault.|

Gender disaggregated data on rates of infant mortality and early childhood nutrition are not available for Swaziland. With respect to access to education, UNICEF data shows that gender parity has been achieved in primary school enrolments which indicates that there may be no preferential treatment of sons with respect to primary education. However, the United Nations Swaziland office reports that a gender gap emerges in progression to secondary and tertiary education, with gender inequalities in access to education starting at the age of 16. This data indicates the possibility of preferential treatment of sons with access to higher education. In a report to the Commission on the Status of Women in 2009, the government reported that girls and young women are increasingly bearing the responsibility for care in the context of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland, which suggests increasing time poverty amongst girls and young women, compared to their male counterparts. The Central Intelligence Agency reports that Swaziland has a male/female sex ratio for the total population of 0.99. There is no evidence to suggest that Swaziland is a country of concern in relation to missing women.|

There's something magical about Swaziland – a beautiful and diverse Kingdom that begs to be explored. Ruled over by King Mswati III, this peaceful Kingdom is rapidly becoming a traveller's favourite on the trail through Southern Africa. Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, yet there is a surprisingly diverse landscape – with dramatic mountains, spectacular valleys and prolific game reserves, that offer the visitor a wide range of adventure activities.|

Kingdom of Swaziland Mbabane () Monarchy 1.13 million 6,704 square miles; slightly smaller than New Jersey English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official) Total Population: [80%] Male: [81%]; Female: [78%] 1968|

Fathers and mothers in Swaziland do not enjoy equal parental authority. Guardianship primarily vests in the father of the child. Even where the marriage has ended in divorce the mother may be granted custody only, with guardianship remaining with the father.|

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Though South Africa made numerous requests to annex Swaziland during the next 50 years, Britain began preparing the protectorate for independence after World War II. Swaziland achieved internal self-government in 1967. The following year, it became an independent constitutional monarchy within the British Commonwealth. In 1973 King Sobhuza II repealed the 1968 constitution and assumed all governing powers himself. He died in 1982. Following rule under a regency, Sobhuza's son Makhosetive was crowned King Mswati III in 1986. In the 1990's, popular unrest forced the government to consider political reforms. In 2005, King Mswati approved a new constitution for Swaziland but maintained his hold on power.|

According to the US Department of State, rape is common in Swaziland, with 770 cases being reported in 2008. The United Nations Swaziland office report that of all criminal offences reported, 29 % were cases of sexual offences against women. Approximately one in four females in Swaziland experiences physical violence as a child, and among youth aged 18-24, about 9 % had experienced coerced sexual intercourse before they turned 18. There is a reported link between the sexual coercion of young women and HIV infection. Sexual violence in educational settings has been noted as a particular problem in Swaziland, with a 2003 study by the Ministry of Education finding high levels of sexual abuse, primarily perpetrated by uncles and male teachers. The study found that this type of sexual abuse was rarely reported.|

You can use your phone card to Swaziland to make calls with NobelApp via WiFi/3G & Access Numbers. NobelApp works on iOS and Android. Alternatively choose NobelApp Credit and take full control of your expenses with call history, recharge any cell phones worldwide and send international text messages at competitive rates. Check our .|

Section 211 of the Constitution provides for equal access to land for men and women. However, this right has not been enshrined in legislation. There are two types of land, Swazi Nation Land Title Deed Land. Although Swazi Nation Land can be accessed free of charge through the traditional kukhonta system from the chief of the area, women cannot independently do so without a male relative. However, United Nations Swaziland reports anecdotal evidence of an emerging practice where some chiefs circumvent the traditional rules and allocate land to women if a male figure is not available. Access to Title Deed Land is also a challenge for women, particularly if they seek to secure bank credit. Even where a woman is ultimately able to secure her husband’s consent and purchase land, if she is married in community of property, she has no legal ownership or control of the property as the land can only be registered under her husband’s name. Section 16 of the Deeds Registry Act precludes women married in community of property from registering title to land. In early 2010, Swaziland’s High Court ruled that some married women should legally be entitled to register property in their own name. This was, however, reversed three months later by the Supreme Court. Women’s access to property other than land is determined by the type of marriage entered into. Current laws require that where a couple of married in a community of property, the husband is automatically the administrator of the joint estate which includes all property. Although the constitution provides for gender equality which should apply to access to credit, in practice women are still denied access to credit. Women’s access to credit is undermined by banks requiring the husband’s permission and lack of collateral collateral due to their lower economic position and discriminatory practices.Despite these challenges, women are the majority of small business holders at 71 %.|

Trained youth leaders provide support to the OVCs who are left helpless by the deaths of their elders. They host weekly Hope Clubs at each location and make home visits to help kids with heavy home responsibilities and school work. This project is taking a broad view toward populating Swaziland with capable, competent citizens who can take up responsible positions in Swazi society that might otherwise remain vacant.|

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Featuring: Swaziland (near Pigg's Peak)|

Female genital mutilation is reportedly not practiced in Swaziland. Limitations on women’s reproductive rights also infringes upon women’s physical integrity in Swaziland. Abortion is permitted in Swaziland to save a woman’s life or health or due to foetal impairment. It is not permitted in the event of rape or incest, on request or on social or economic grounds. The 2006-2007 Demographic and Health Survey found that overall 51 % of married women use contraception and 48 % use modern methods of contraception. Access to reproductive health services is a challenge with 24 % of married women reporting an unmet need with respect to family planning. The survey also revealed negative attitudes amongst men in Swaziland towards family planning with more than 6 out of 10 men believing that a woman who uses contraception may become promiscuous.|

There are a huge range of activities in Swaziland including white water rafting, caving, climbing, horse riding, abseiling, hiking and paragliding. All of these can be arranged in advance or by your accommodation.|

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