"Women empowerment is not just a word, it is a movement. Be part of it an lead with purpose"

Happy Nozizwe Dlamini has dedicated 18 years of service to the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Soceity, where her commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact. In 2013, she broke new ground by becoming the organization's first female president since its inception. Throughout her service, she has been active in first aid and food security projects, and has played a key role in tackling the HIV and AIDS crisis. Today, she continues to lead as chairperson of her National Society and serves as the GLOW Red Network focal point for Southern Africa. She is a strong advocate for women's empowerment and encourages more women across the region to pursue leadership positions. 

Since beginning as a volunteer in 2007, Happy has steadily advanced within the organization. "In 2008, I was elected Treasurer of my Unit, and the following year, I became the Regional Chairperson, a role that granted me a seat on the National Board. In 2013, I became the first female President of the Eswatini Red Cross since its founding in 1933. Today, I continue to serve as Chairperson of my National Society, contribute as an additional member of the regional branch, and represent Sothern Africa as the focal point for GLOW Red."

That said, Happy's journey within the Red Cross has not always been easy, but has also involved navigating complex challanges. "When I resumed office as President, my National Society was collapsing, we had major debts, lost 12 of our partner societies, and were left with only two. In addition, the Secretery General was new, no policies were in place, and our statutes and strategic plans were outdated. The police were at our doorstep to collect our properties and assets. It was a difficult time."

"To safeguard the future of my National Society, which I considered my second home, I voluntarily took early reitirement from my workplace and dedicated myself fully to its recovery. With support from the IFRC, RCRC, and Partner National Societies, we initiated inductions and trainings that significantly strengthened our organization's capacity. I also worked hard to advocate and build relationships with key stakeholders, including government representatives. As a result, we settled some of our outstanding debts, secured increased subvention, and strengthened our partnership with the government. These efforts laid the foundation for the sustainability we are proud to celebrate today"

"Volunteering with the Red Cross has profoundly impacted my life in several ways, equipping me with diverse range of knowledge, skills, and experiences. I have had the privilege of attending leadership training that has significantly enriched my abilities and strengthened my decision-making. The peer-to-peer programs supported by the IFRC have been especially helpful. Moreover, serving diligently and passionately within the Movement opened doors for me to be recognized by the government. I am currently serving on the Board of Directors for one of the government-owned hotels under the Ministry of Tourism, and was appointed as the presiding officer in the 2023 National Elections. This is a significant achievement for my country in terms of recognizing women's leadership and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.": 

"Being a woman leader in the humanitarian field is, however, not easy, as most opportunities are directed toward men. I believe that cultural and societal beliefs create a challenging environment for women. During my service within the RCRC Movement, I have noticed that women are underrepresented and that cultural norms often take precedence over recruiting and training girls and young women. In my culture, for example, it is still commonly believed that women do not need education, as they will eventually belong to their husband's household. Across Africa, many women are hesitant to take risks and pursue higher leadership positions. I believe this is due to factors such as low self-esteem, fear of discrimination, lack of education, and fear of gender-based violence. This affected me too, but I chose to empower myself and positioned myself for every available opportunity. It is important to believe in yourself, know your story, and be proud of who you are in order to feel empowered. It also helps to conduct your own research, as reading and increasing your knowledge about the policies and statutes that govern your National Society will boost your confidence". 

"I believe we can effect change and address the challanges women face by ensuring there are platforms to deliberate on issues affecting them. Mentorship programs are essential, as working together as allies empowers women and strengthens their belief that they can, and will, be elected or aoopointed to lead. Women leaders should be given opportunities to speak on issues realted to the challanges faced by the vulnerable communities we serve. As first responders, we should not be excluded from decision-making. When in leadership, it is vital to ensure women's inclusion and to consider women's priorities in every agenda." 

"Women should occupy all spaces and stand in solidarity. We must challange the mindset that undermines our self-belief and dismantle the mindset that undermines our self-belief and dismantle the myth that women are not capable. Instead, we need to believe in our abilities and recognize that we can make a difference wherever it is needed. It is not about gender, but about ability. We must foster a spirit of collaboration among women, rather than competition." 

"My dream is to celebrate gender equality at all levels and to ensure that no one is left behind. I want to see the GLOW Red Network grow and fulfill the mandate wich was established in Antalaya in 2017. I was among the leaders who signed the petition for its creation during the General Assembly, and to this day, I am in love with the GLOW Red Network, and it is only growing stronger and better in improving women's empowerment."

Happy Nozizwe Dlamini, The Eswatini Red Cross