Global Equality Caucus meets with legislators and civil society in Eswatini

The Global Equality Caucus has visited Eswatini as part of our legislative outreach work in Southern Africa.

As we continue to expand our network in the region, Regional Manager Ricki Kgositau met with legislators who have been allies to the LGBT+ community to discuss paths to greater inclusion in the country.

In a series of dialogues with both lawmakers and local activists, approaches including equal protection and anti-violence were highlighted as appropriate strategies to advance equality.

This follows a recent court ruling on hate crime where the perpetrator of a sexual assault against a lesbian woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with attention now turning to the prospect of national hate crime legislation that protects sexual and gender minorities.

There is also hope that a bill recognising the rights of intersex persons will be introduced during the new parliamentary term, following upcoming elections.

We are delighted to welcome legislators from Eswatini to our network and will continue to work with lawmakers and local civil society on inclusive policymaking.