Evaluating the Psychological and Social Consequences of Gender-based Violence on Women: A Study of Mahwalala Township in Eswatini


Authors : Musa Owenkosi Mkhwanazi; Dr Felix Chibesa

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2p8cm2vt

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3rrp2775

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14987756

Abstract : Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue for women in Eswatini, particularly in Mahwalala Township. This study examined the psycho-social impacts on local women through a mixed-methods approach involving 383 respondents. Results showed 91.4% of participants experienced GBV, with physical abuse most prevalent at 60.1%. Psychological consequences included anxiety (38.1%) and depression (43.3%). Systemic barriers like patriarchal norms and economic dependency exacerbated survivors' vulnerability. The research reveals deep psychological trauma and systemic challenges. Despite survivors' resilience, cultural norms and inadequate institutional support perpetuate abuse cycles. Recommendations include prioritizing women's economic empowerment, strengthening community support systems, and promoting gender-sensitive education to challenge harmful social structures and improve institutional responses to GBV.

Keywords : Gender-Based Violence, Gender Inequality, Social Consequences.

References :

  1. Abrahams, N., Jewkes, R., Laubscher, R., & Hoffman, M. (2014). Intimate partner violence: Prevalence and risk factors for men in Cape Town, South Africa. Violence and Victims, 19(5), 533–547.
  2. Banda, M., & Phiri, L. (2018). Surviving Gender-Based Violence: Women's Resilience Mechanisms in Lusaka Province. University of Zambia Press.
  3. Bartholomew, K., & Cobb, R. J. (2016). Attachment disruptions in survivors of intimate partner violence: Relational consequences. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 17(4), 404–421.
  4. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.
  5. Campbell, J. C. (2018). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359(9314), 1331–1336.
  6. Carter, P., & Rodriguez, L. (2018). Empowerment and agency: Education as a transformative tool for survivors of gender-based violence. Gender and Education, 30(4), 456–473.
  7. Central Statistical Office. (2022). Gender-based violence statistics in Eswatini.
  8. Chen, M., & Kumar, A. (2022). Mindfulness-based approaches to trauma resilience. Clinical Psychology Review, 45, 89–100.
  9. Chen, Y., & Wong, T. (2020). Marriage patterns and family structures in emerging economies. Journal of Family Studies, 12(3), 223–240.
  10. Contreras, A., & Martinez, L. (2017). Psychological Trauma Among Women Survivors in Chile. Journal of Latin American Psychology, 45(2), 187-203.
  11. Contreras, M., & Morales, R. (2021). Institutional Responses to Gender Violence. Chilean Social Policy Review, 38(3), 215-232.
  12. Cobbs, M, (2016). Relational Trauma In Intimate Partner Violence Survivors. Sarge
  13. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  14. Crowe, A. (2010). Global Perspectives on Violence Against Women. International Journal of Criminology, 22(4), 345-362.
  15. Dlamini, N., & Ncube, P. (2019). Gender Inequality and Social Structures in Eswatini. African Sociological Review, 23(1), 45-62.
  16. Dlamini, N., &Nhlengethwa, S. (2018). Gender-Based Violence in Manzini and Lubombo Regions: A Mixed-Methods Study. Eswatini Journal of Social Sciences, 12(2), 78-95.
  17. Dlamini, N., Hlophe, S., &Vilakati, M. (2020). Support Systems and Resilience Among Women Facing Gender-Based Violence in Eswatini. Gender Studies in Southern Africa, 33(4), 112-129.
  18. Dlamini, S., & Ncube, M. (2019). Gender inequality and violence in Eswatini: A socio-cultural analysis. Journal of African Social Studies.
  19. Garcia, F., & Williams, P. (2020). The impact of physical exercise on trauma recovery: A review of evidence-based practices. Journal of Trauma Rehabilitation, 5(2), 78–86.
  20. Gonzalez, M., & Rodriguez, A. (2019). Violence Against Women in Argentina. Buenos Aires: National Gender Studies Press.
  21. Gonzalez, R., Martinez, L., & Lopez, A. (2019). Surviving and Thriving: Women's Responses to Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Gender Studies, 45(2), 156-173.
  22. Hambayi, R., &Simulamba, C. (2016). Psychological Trauma and Mental Health Consequences Among Women Survivors in Zambia. Zambian Medical Journal, 41(3), 87-102.
  23. Henderson, A., & Bollen, M. (2017). Social support and trauma recovery: The role of interpersonal connections. Trauma and Coping Studies, 9(1), 112–130.
  24. Heise, L. L. (1998). Violence against women: An integrated, ecological framework. Violence and Victims, 13(4), 377-412.
  25. Heise, L. L., & Garcia-Moreno, C. (2015). Violence by intimate partners: A global public health perspective. In E. G. Krug (Ed.), World report on violence and health (pp. 87-121). World Health Organization.
  26. Heise, L. L., & Garcia-Moreno, C. (2016). Violence by intimate partners. In E. G. Krug et al. (Eds.), World report on violence and health (pp. 89–121). Geneva: World Health Organization.
  27. Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
  28. Silva, M., Jacob, S., Martinez, T., Zane, S. (2019). Violence against women: An integrated, ecological framework. Violence and Victims, 13(4), 377-412.
  29. Silva, G., & Santos, P (2018). Mapping Gender Violence Landscapes. Buenos Aires: National Gender Studies Press.
  30. Jewkes, R. (2016). Gender-based violence in South African contexts: A review. South African Review of Sociology.
  31. Jewkes, R., Fulu, E., Roselli, T., & Garcia-Moreno, C. (2019). Gender-based violence in marginalized communities. Global Public Health, 8(6), 763–780.
  32. Kirmayer, M, (2017). Gender Violence Landscapes. Buenos Aires: National Gender Studies Press.
  33. Nahalik, G, &Rochen. (2018). Gender equality and female empowerment policy.
  34. Mabuza, H., Musa, S., Mduduzi, T., (2018). Violence against women: An integrated, ecological framework. Violence and Victims, 17(4), 480-512.
  35. Mendoza, F., & Rodriguez, S. (2020). Resiliewnce Resistance: An integrated, ecological framework. Violence and Victims, 13(4), 377-412.
  36. Mkhabela, T., & Simelane, M. (2020). Gender-based violence in South African contexts: A review. South African Review of Sociology.
  37. Moyo, T., & Chigumira, S., (Womens Resilience and Coping SDtrategies Against Gender-Based Violence. Global Public Health, 8(6), 763–780.
  38. Ntombela, B., Maziya, M., Langa S (2020). Violence against women: An integrated, ecological framework. Violence and Victims, 13(4), 377-412.
  39. Patton, B. R. (2012). Planning Gender Violence Landscapes. Buenos Aires: National Gender Studies Press.
  40. Patel, B. &Kumars.P. (2021). Global Perspectives on Violence Against Women. International Journal of Criminology, 22(4), 345-362.
  41. Thompson, M, & Jacob, R, & Terrence, S, (2019). Men’s violence against women: theory, Research and Activism. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  42. Van Der Kork (2016). Men’s violence against women: theory, Research and Activism. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
  43. WHO, (2014). Who multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women: Geneva.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue for women in Eswatini, particularly in Mahwalala Township. This study examined the psycho-social impacts on local women through a mixed-methods approach involving 383 respondents. Results showed 91.4% of participants experienced GBV, with physical abuse most prevalent at 60.1%. Psychological consequences included anxiety (38.1%) and depression (43.3%). Systemic barriers like patriarchal norms and economic dependency exacerbated survivors' vulnerability. The research reveals deep psychological trauma and systemic challenges. Despite survivors' resilience, cultural norms and inadequate institutional support perpetuate abuse cycles. Recommendations include prioritizing women's economic empowerment, strengthening community support systems, and promoting gender-sensitive education to challenge harmful social structures and improve institutional responses to GBV.

Keywords : Gender-Based Violence, Gender Inequality, Social Consequences.

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe