Swazi Observer

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SIDLA NGALOLUDZALA GROUP TO ADDRESS GBV THROUGH ESWATINI’S RICH CULTURE

By Colani Hlatjwako | 2025-01-22

In a powerful move to tackle the pressing issue of gender-based violence (gBV), Sidla Ngaloludzala, a celebrated Eswatini cultural group, has joined the One Billion Rising campaign.

This global movement, which aims to end violence against women and girls, is now benefitting from Sidla's unique approach, which combines the rich cultural heritage of Eswatini with a call to action against GBV.

One Billion Rising Campaign: A Global Call to End Gender-Based Violence
One Billion Rising, founded by renowned feminist and activist V (formerly Eve Ensler), is a global campaign that mobilises people around the world to rise up, dance and demand an end to violence against women and girls.

The campaign’s name is symbolic—representing one billion women and girls who experience some form of violence in their lifetime. The campaign encourages participants to speak out, raise awareness, and create a world free from violence and discrimination.

Sidla Ngaloludzala: A Voice for Change in Eswatini
Sidla Ngaloludzala, whose name is synonymous with Eswatini’s cultural pride, has long been an advocate for social change.

Known for their deep knowledge and commitment to preserving the traditional values and practices of Emaswati, Sidla Ngaloludzala has used their platforms to address social issues affecting women and communities at large.

The group’s involvement in One Billion Rising adds a cultural dimension to the ongoing global fight against GBV, drawing on the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric of Eswatini to empower both men and women.

Through the group’s participation in One Billion Rising, Sidla Ngaloludzala seeks to address GBV from a cultural standpoint, using traditional Swati values as a framework for healing, respect and community solidarity.

The group’s efforts aim to bridge the gap between modern activism and cultural practices, showing how both can coexist to create a safer, more equitable society.

The Role of Eswatini’s Rich Culture in Combatting GBV
Eswatini is known for its vibrant culture, which is deeply rooted in community, respect, and tradition.

However, like many societies, gender-based violence remains a challenge that needs urgent attention. Sidla Ngaloludzala’s involvement in One Billion Rising seeks to draw on these cultural values to help reshape the narrative surrounding GBV in Eswatini and beyond.

Sidla Ngaloludzala has created platforms where people can come together, speak openly about GBV, and begin the healing process.

These cultural practices are not just an art form but are powerful tools for social change, promoting solidarity and providing a space for difficult conversations.

By incorporating traditional songs and dances, Sidla Ngaloludzala encourages communities to embrace their culture as a source of strength in the fight against violence. The respect for women and the role they play in Eswatini society are integral parts of the nation’s values that must be upheld in the face of contemporary challenges such as GBV.

Empowering Women through Culture
Sidla Ngaloludzala’s approach is not just about raising awareness; it’s also about empowering women in Eswatini.

Through the One Billion Rising campaign, he has been instrumental in creating spaces where women can come together to reclaim their agency and demand change. By integrating culture into these spaces, Sidla Ngaloludzala emphasiSes that Eswatini’s traditions offer a powerful means for women to stand up, speak out and assert their rights.

Their art also challenges harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence and inequality. In this way, Sidla Ngaloludzala is not just a cultural ambassador but also a social reformer who is redefining the role of culture in shaping a future free from GBV.

Engaging Men as Allies
in Ending GBV
Sidla Ngaloludzala group believes that the fight against gender-based violence cannot succeed without the active involvement of men.

Men, as fathers, brothers, sons, and leaders, have the power to shift societal attitudes and behaviours.

By engaging them as allies in the fight to end GBV, Sidla is creating a network of men through cultural dance who are committed to advocating for women’s rights, rejecting violence, and promoting gender equality.

Sidla Ngaloludzala’s message is clear: ‘Ungambulali Utamdzinga’.
The group is empowering men to be part of the solution since it is not only a moral imperative but a cultural one. Men who understand the importance of treating women with dignity can become the change-makers in their communities, helping to dismantle the deep-rooted societal structures that perpetuate GBV.

Looking Ahead: A Future Free from Gender-Based Violence
As Sidla Ngaloludzala continues his work with One Billion Rising, the collaboration between global activism and local cultural traditions holds great promise.

Eswatini’s rich culture, when used as a tool for positive change, can play a pivotal role in addressing GBV not only within the country but also across Southern Africa.

Sidla Ngaloludzala’s participation in the One Billion Rising campaign is a reminder that fighting GBV is a multifaceted endeavor. It requires both global solidarity and local action—where culture, tradition, and advocacy intersect to create lasting change.

Through the group’s work, Sidla Ngaloludzala is helping to pave the way for a future where violence against women and girls is no longer tolerated and the rich cultural heritage of Eswatini becomes a beacon of hope and healing for all.

As the One Billion Rising Eswatini campaign continues to grow, Sidla Ngaloludzala’s efforts are a testament to the power of cultural advocacy in the global fight against gender-based violence.

Through music, dance and community engagement, the world is shown how Eswatini’s cultural legacy can play a vital role in creating a society free from violence, where all people, regardless of gender, are treated with dignity and respect.

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