so much work to do

I’ve been asked a few times why I’m working here, why ‘development’ work is necessary, why I’m a feminist. I guess these are a few reasons that I deem relevant:


In 2004 Swaziland became the country with highest HIV-positive population, 38.6%

As of 2004 the life expectancy for men and women was 31years

Women make up over 50% of those infected with HIV/AIDS

The feminization of HIV/AIDS: women have a higher risk of infection because they are often care givers to those sick with the disease, the culture of polygamy is alive and well so often their partners aren’t faithful, when a husband dies the wife if often married off to his brother thus increasing the risk of infection

In 2005 alone an estimated 16,000 Swazis died of AIDS

It is estimated that there are currently 63,000 orphans as a result of HIV/AIDS. I have visited communities and schools where families of only children live together – there are no adults to take care of them

In an index of countries based on the level of income inequality, Swaziland ranks 119th out of 124 nations.

Women earn 29% of what men earn in Swaziland

Swaziland’s gender-related development index, the human development index adjusted for gender equality, places it 146th out of 177 developing countries (UNDP Human Development Report 2006)

The legal rights of Swazi women are unclear given the country’s dual legal systems and the new constitution (which could almost be considered a joke with reference to women’s rights)

Much of Swazi women’s economic and societal vulnerability stems from the fact that, upon marriage, they assume a legal status comparable to that of a minor child. Marital power prohibits women from securing bank loans, opening bank accounts, leaving the country, making major decisions, registering property in their name.
There are no domestic violence laws nor marital rape laws.

*some of these stats were taken from:
Epidemic of inequality. Women’s rights and HIV/AIDS in Botswana and Swaziland. An evidence-based report on the effects of gender inequality, stigma and discrimination. Report by Physicians for Human Rights. 2007