1. Introduction to UYSGE

United Youth for Sustainable Globe Eswatini (UYSGE) is a youth-led, rural based non-governmental organization committed to advocating for the rights of women and young people in the rural and marginalized areas of Eswatini. Since its inception, UYSGE has been at the forefront of promoting social protection, gender equality, and human rights for women and youth, striving to create a just and equitable society where every individual can thrive.

2. Vision and Mission

  • Vision:
    A society where young women and youth in marginalized communities are empowered, enjoy equal opportunities, and have access to basic human rights and social protection.
  • Mission:
    To advance social protection and human rights for women and youth in rural and marginalized settlements of Eswatini through advocacy, capacity-building, education, and grassroots mobilization.

3. Core Values

  • Empowerment: Empowering women and youth to become leaders in their communities, advocating for their rights and leading social change.
  • Inclusion: Ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are included in all decision-making processes affecting their lives.
  • Equality: Promoting gender equality and dismantling barriers that prevent women and youth from accessing their rights and opportunities.
  • Sustainability: Promoting sustainable development practices that protect the environment and ensure long-term well-being for communities.
  • Community-centered: All initiatives are designed and implemented with the active participation of local communities, ensuring solutions are culturally relevant and sustainable.

4. Programs and Areas of Focus

4.1 Social Protection for Women and Youth

UYSGE works to ensure that women and young people in rural and marginalized areas have access to comprehensive social protection programs. This includes access to:

  • Social safety nets: Programs like food security initiatives, and access to social welfare services.
  • Employment and livelihood opportunities: Creating economic opportunities through skills development, entrepreneurship programs, and vocational training.
  • Health and wellness programs: Ensuring access to maternal and reproductive health services, HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health support, and basic healthcare.

4.2 Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

A core aspect of UYSGE’s work is advocating for the empowerment of women and promoting gender equality. Our focus areas include:

  • Ending gender-based violence: Raising awareness and providing support services for victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
  • Women’s economic empowerment: Providing skills training, micro-finance, and entrepreneurship programs to empower women economically.
  • Advocacy for gender-responsive policies: Working with local and national governments to ensure that policies and laws protect women’s rights and promote gender equality in all sectors.

4.3 Youth Development and Education

UYSGE believes that empowering young people, especially in rural areas, is key to building a sustainable future. Our initiatives include:

  • Youth leadership development: Providing leadership training, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities for young women and men.
  • Educational empowerment: Offering scholarships, tutoring, and study programs to ensure that young people have access to quality education, including technical and vocational training.
  • Youth advocacy: Engaging youth in policy dialogue and advocacy to ensure their voices are heard in matters related to education, employment, and social justice.

4.4 Human Rights Advocacy

As a rights-based organization, UYSGE is deeply committed to advancing human rights, with a specific focus on:

  • Human rights education: Conducting awareness campaigns on human rights, civic participation, and democratic governance in marginalized communities.
  • Legal aid and support: Offering legal counseling and support to women and youth who face discrimination or have been victims of human rights violations.
  • Policy advocacy: Collaborating with local, national, and international stakeholders to advocate for stronger human rights protections and youth and women-centered policies.

4.5 Climate Change and Sustainable Development

UYSGE integrates environmental sustainability into its programs, recognizing the impact of climate change on rural communities:

  • Climate resilience initiatives: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, climate-resilient livelihoods, and environmental conservation efforts.
  • Youth and women-led environmental activism: Supporting women and youth in taking leadership roles in community-based environmental conservation and climate action.

5. Achievements and Impact

Since its inception in 2020, UYSGE has made significant strides in improving the lives of women and youth in Eswatini. Some key achievements include:

  • Empowerment of 500+ Women: Over 400 women have benefited from vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and financial literacy programs, helping them establish their own businesses and become financially independent.
  • Gender-Based Violence Awareness Campaign: Launched a comprehensive campaign that reached over 2,000 individuals in rural communities, educating them on the signs of GBV and available support services. The campaign also led to the establishment of local GBV support groups.
  • Youth Leadership Development: Trained 200+ youth leaders, 60% of whom are women, in leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement, equipping them with skills to advocate for their rights and contribute to community development.
  • Legal Aid Support: Provided legal support to women and young people who faced human rights violations, resulting in successful legal interventions and policy changes at the local level, through active linkages and referral
  • Climate Action Programs: Established community gardens and tree-planting initiatives in rural areas, involving 200+ youth and women in climate-resilient agriculture.

6. Partnership and Collaboration

UYSGE believes in the power of collaboration and works closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • Government bodies: Partnering with local and national governments to influence policy changes and ensure women and youth are included in decision-making processes.
  • International NGOs and Development Partners: Collaborating with organizations such as the European Union in Eswatini, COPSE, PuntoSud Foundation, MenEngage Alliance, and other regional partners which includes MenEngage Africa Alliance, Sonke Gender Justice and local partners to strengthen the reach and impact of our programs.
  • Community-based organizations: Working with local women’s groups, youth networks, and civil society organizations to ensure that our initiatives are grounded in the realities of marginalized communities.

7. Past Projects and Budget Allocations

7.1 Women’s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Program (2023)
this program was focusing on scaling up economic empowerment for women in rural Eswatini through:

  • Market linkages for women-led businesses
  • Capacity-building in financial management and business operations
  • Capacity building of women on Human Rights and Participation

Which was funded by the PuntoSud Foundation in partnership with the European Union in Eswatini, with a grant budget of SZL 80,750.00 (Local Swazi Currency)

7.2 Youth Rights and Leadership Advocacy Project (2023)
This initiative aimed to engage young people in advocacy and leadership development, creating opportunities for youth to participate in policy-making and governance processes at the local and national levels. This project was funded by the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organizations in Eswatini through Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), with a grant budget of SZL 58,300.00.

7.3 Climate Resilience for Rural Communities (2024-27)
A long-term project aimed at building the climate resilience of rural communities by promoting sustainable farming practices, reforestation projects, and renewable energy solutions. This project is still under review on the final stage and it is to be financed by Youth 4 Climate Justice and UNDP with a grant budget of SZL 300,000.00.

7.4 Gender Based Violence Symposium (2023)

This initiative focused on engaging women and young girls in the rural areas to deliberate and have critical conversations on GBV and how we can introduce innovative and sustainable approaches in dismantling the root causes of GBV, to ensuring a secured future for women and girls. This project was funded by MenEngage Eswatini and Sonke Gender Justice with a grant budget of SZL 23,000.00

7.5 Building Communities Strengthening Social safety for marginalized women and youth

This initiative was funded by Southern African Litigation Center, which mainly aimed at building capacities of 20 rural women including the Lgbtqi+ women on GBV, Human Rights and also Advocacy to ensure that women in all their brackets and diversities are empowered and are able to stand for their rights and are knowledgeable about GBV and reporting GBV case. This project was granted a budget of SZL 21,000.00

7.5 SMASH HATE-Breaking the barriers

This initiative aimed at challenging harmful gendered norms and perspectives that continuously violates the rights and responsibilities of women including the queer community members, by actively engaging faith and traditional leaders through transformational dialogues and sessions aimed at challenging systemic patriarchal and religious conversions that are imposing harmful acts and promote human rights violations against women and girls in all their diversities. This project is funded by the ACT UBUMBANO with a grant budget of SZL 15,000.00 solidarity fund.

7.6 Strengthening Internal Systems and Procedures through capacity building

This project was funded by COSPE in collaboration with the European Union in Eswatini, which was focusing on giving United Youth the opportunity to build capacities of it staff members, the board members on various systems in the organizations which included; Finance Management, Organizational Management and Board Orientation on UYSG values and mission and also approving of our 5 years strategic plan.

This project had a grant ceiling of SZL 45,220.00 awarded by COSPE on behalf of the EU in Eswatini

8. References

1. Mr. Sibusiso Lulu Maziya

Position: Executive Director

Organization: Health Plus 4Men Swaziland

Cell: +268 76186404

Email: sibulks@gmail.com

2. Miss Fundile Lungile Mamba

Position: Project Coordinator

Organization: Luvatsi “Swaziland Youth Empowerment Organization”

Cell: +26876261423

Email: mambafundile@gmail.com

3. Miss Ayanda Sigudla

Position: Project Manager

Organization: COSPE SWAZILAND

Cell: +26876187331

Email: ayanda.sigudla@cospe.org

9. Contact Information

United Youth for Sustainable Globe Eswatini (UYSGE)
Website: www.uysgeswatiniorg.mystrkingly.com
Email: uysg.cd.eswatini@gmail.com
Phone: +268 78439285
Social Media:

Office Address:
Lot 109, 1 Loop Road Matata Eswatini, Office Number 2 Nkilongo Inkhundla Building

10. Conclusion

United Youth for Sustainable Globe Eswatini (UYSGE) is committed to advancing the rights of women and youth in rural and marginalized areas through education, advocacy, empowerment, and social protection initiatives. With a proven track record and a strong community presence, UYSGE remains a key driver in ensuring that the voices of young women and youth are heard, respected, and represented in shaping the future of Eswatini.