Manzini – The streets of Manzini came alive with colour and music on Saturday as Eswatini’s sexual and gender minority groups hosted the 8th Annual Eswatini Pride celebration, drawing support from human rights activists, civil society, and development partners.
The event, spearheaded by United Voices for Diversity and its allies, ended with a vibrant gathering at the SNAT Centre, where community members shared messages of unity, visibility, and dignity.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) congratulated United Voices for Diversity and its partners for successfully organising the celebration. The UN agency also welcomed the peaceful expression of identity and called it a meaningful step toward inclusive development. 
UNDP said it was encouraged by the event and the visible support shown, describing it as a sign of Eswatini’s commitment to upholding its constitutional values and international human rights standards.
Participants called for stronger protections for LGBTQI+ individuals and urged authorities to foster a more supportive environment that leaves no one behind.
