From Reed Cutter to Role Model: Nomaswazi Zwane’s Journey of Empowering Young Girls Through Culture and Life Skills
Every year, thousands of young maidens from across Eswatini gather at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence and the Embangweni Royal Residence for one of the country’s most cherished cultural events, the Umhlanga Reed Dance. The ceremony, which dates back to many generations, serves as a unique model that Eswatini uses to preserve the chastity of young girls and instill values of respect, discipline, and self-worth.
Traditionally, the Reed Dance is attended by unmarried girls with no children, reinforcing the message of self-preservation until they are ready to transition into other stages of life, such as starting families or pursuing higher education. The celebration remains a proud expression of Eswatini’s heritage, promoting abstinence and self-respect among young women during adolescence.
Among the thousands of maidens is 26-year-old Nomaswazi Zwane, a passionate peer educator supported by UNFPA in Eswatini through Khulisa Umntfwana. This is a leading traditional sector NGO providing accurate information on HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence mainly to young people, in support of the Government of Eswatini. Nomaswazi first attended the Reed Dance in 2010, at the age of 12, and has returned every year since. She attended as a participant and now as a mentor guiding younger girls.
“The Reed Dance teaches us to value ourselves and our future,” says Nomaswazi. “It encourages us to stay in school, protect our dreams, and wait until we are mature enough to make decisions about relationships and sex. The joy of the Reed Dance is knowing that if you carry yourself well, you will also return the following year, which young girls take pride in.”
For Nomaswazi, the Reed Dance is also a platform to reinforce the importance of carrying oneself with dignity as a young woman.
“Attending the Reed Dance helps you become proud as a female. You learn many important things, including how to avoid teenage pregnancy. If you are part of the imbali regiment, you understand that no matter how young you are, you want to return the following year, and you ensure to carry yourself well.
This pride and sense of responsibility sets you apart, and your peers notice how you conduct yourself.” Her passion extends beyond her own experience.“It is my passion because I love to share with the maidens about carrying themselves with dignity as young women. Through peer education, you get to teach your peers about life itself. For me, even as a graduate, attending the Reed Dance is a unique experience. It motivates the younger girls to aspire and say, ‘I also want to be like her.’”
Through a partnership between UNFPA Eswatini, Khulisa Umntfwana, and the Family Life Association of Eswatini, (FLAS), the Safeguard Young People Programme has integrated peer to peer life skills education into this historic cultural gathering. The initiative provides young girls with essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and self-awareness. Many of these topics are not discussed at home because parents are often not comfortable addressing topics such as dating, pregnancy, and sexuality.
“For most girls, the information they receive at the Reed Dance is their first opportunity to understand these issues openly and safely. It helps them make better choices and avoid the mistakes that come from lack of knowledge,” Nomaswazi explains.
Her sessions are interactive and empowering, using dialogue, storytelling, and relatable examples to engage the girls. By blending cultural values with modern life skills, she helps them embrace their heritage while also gaining the confidence to make informed decisions about their lives and futures.
“When I first attended the Reed Dance, I was just excited to be part of something so big. Now, I realise it is also a place of learning and empowerment. I want every girl here to know that she can embrace her culture while still making informed decisions about her life.”
Nomaswazi’s journey from a 12-year-old reed cutter to a respected peer educator reflects the transformative potential of the Safeguard Young People Programme. By working through traditional platforms such as the Umhlanga Reed Dance, UNFPA Eswatini, with Khulisa Umntfwana and other partners, is ensuring that cultural pride and youth empowerment go hand in hand, reaching young people with information that protects their health, upholds their dignity, and strengthens their future.
