The UNFPA Eswatini Country Office in 2023 developed and submitted a proposal under the European Union Multiannual Action Plan 2022-2024 Thematic Programme on human rights and democracy. The aim of the project is to improve the living conditions of Gender-based violence (GBV) victims and of persons with disabilities (PWDs) as well as promoting their rights in the country and mitigating the challenges faced by these vulnerable groups, including those in rural areas. This was as a result of consultations between the EU Delegation to Eswatini and UNFPA Officials where UNFPA was pre-selected to submit an application for the possible award of a contract by the EU. UNFPA was awarded the contract and an agreement was signed in December 2023.
The programme was launched on 21st February with a commencement date of the 1st March 2024 and shall be implemented for 36 months until February 2027. The Project coordinator will therefore provide significant support functions input into the implementation and reporting within the country office’s EU “Hlonipheka – Thriving for dignity” project on gender and disability mainstreaming.