Geneva – Representatives from the Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly (SRWA) are attending the 11th session of the UN binding treaty on Transnational Cooperation in Geneva, Switzerland. The assembly, led by Sicandvulo Sabomake, is calling for stronger protections for women and communities affected by large corporate projects.
SRWA members say many transnational corporations displace local communities and expose them to harsh conditions including water contamination and air pollution. The assembly also raised concerns over the impact of laws such as UPOV, which allow companies to claim ownership of indigenous seeds, leaving smallholder farmers struggling while genetically modified crops contribute to health risks.
During the conference, SRWA joined a global demonstration of over 3,500 people to show solidarity with Palestinians. The women condemned multinational companies and their financiers for sustaining the occupation and violence in the region, arguing that while these corporations generate enormous profits, Palestinian women and children continue to suffer.
SRWA said their mission is to promote a society where women and girls can participate freely in democratic processes, access empowerment opportunities, and contribute to holistic development, while prioritizing the protection of the environment and human rights.
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